Butchery Apprenticeship Programme

Associated British Ports; Huish Episcopi; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite training

Butchery Super Days

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

ABP UK is offering a Butchery Apprentice role in Huish Episcopi to build foundational skills in butchery, knife work, and meat processing as part of a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll work with experienced mentors, gain hands-on exposure to the full field-to-fork journey, and participate in onsite training plus Butcher Super Days designed to bring learning to life.

The programme runs for 1 year 4 months, starting 2026-12-07, with a 40-hour week and a wage of £26,436 per year, laying the groundwork

Qualifications

• Attention to detail is essential for precise cuts and quality control.
• Team working is needed to meet production targets and maintain safety.
• Physical fitness supports long hours standing and finishing tasks in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn the Basics: foundational knowledge in butchery principles and carcass processing techniques.
• Master Your Craft: knife skills for cutting, boning, trimming, and mincing meat.
• Gain Industry Insight: understand meat sector values, culture, and traditions.
• Team Collaboration: work with the team to meet deadlines and productivity targets.
• Maintain Standards: adhere to health, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Support Operations: assist in stock control, quality assurance, and customer expectations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team working

Physical fitness

Education

Butcher (level 2) apprenticeship standard

Job description

As a Butchery Apprentice at ABP UK, you'll gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in butchery, contributing to the production of award-winning British and Irish beef and lamb products. You'll learn about quality, efficiency, traceability, sustainability, animal welfare, stress prevention, and lean manufacturing practices. This apprenticeship is a Level 2 programme that will give you the foundations for a fulfilling career in meat processing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn the Basics: Acquire foundational knowledge in butchery principles, meat species, and carcass processing techniques
• Master Your Craft: Develop knife skills for cutting, boning, trimming, and mincing meat
• Gain Industry Insight: Understand the meat sector's history, values, culture, and traditions
• Team Collaboration: Work with the team to meet deadlines and productivity targets
• Maintain Standards: Adhere to health, food safety, and hygiene standards
• Support Operations: Assist in stock control, quality assurance, and customer expectations

Training

• Onsite Training: As an apprentice at ABP, you'll learn from experienced mentors and be part of a supportive, dynamic team. Alongside your mentor, you'll also have regular contact with the training provider who will visit you at the site and support you to complete your Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship
• Butchery Super Days: Take part in exciting three-day learning experiences delivered with our training provider, designed to bring your apprenticeship to life in a practical and engaging way. From sausage making and industry guest speakers to exploring areas beyond beef and lamb, such as wild game, plus farm visits to understand the full field‑to‑fork journey, you’ll gain hands‑on experiences that support your learning in a memorable way

What happens at the end

Skills for the Future You: This programme is designed to support more than just your technical development. You’ll also build important life skills through learning about money management, time management, British Values, respect and shared values in our business, mental health awareness, confidence and communication skills, helping you succeed both at work and in everyday life.

This apprenticeship is a stepping stone to advanced qualifications and specialised roles within ABP UK. Continue your journey in sustainable butchery, retail, or further education in the broader meat industry.

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Team working
• Physical fitness

Key details

• Wage: £26,436 a year
• Working week: Monday to Friday, 7.00am - 4.00pm.
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Duration: 1 Year 4 Months
• Start date: 2026-12-07
• Closing date: 2026-12-06
• Apprenticeship standard: Butcher (level 2)
• Training provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP

About the employer

ABP Food Group is one of Europe’s leading integrated agri-food businesses, with divisions specialising in food production, pet food and renewables. Over our 70-year history, we have grown to 14,000 strong team and have built a reputation for quality and innovation. ABP UK, part of the ABP Food Group produces quality fresh and frozen beef, lamb and frozen meat‑free products to some of the nations leading supermarkets and restaurants, including a number of Michelin Star establishments!