Butchery Apprenticeship Programme

ABP UK; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Milestone incentive payments

Hands-On Experience

Career Growth

Job summary

ABP UK is offering a Butchery Apprenticeship in Ellesmere, Shropshire, starting Summer 2026. The role provides hands-on experience from day one, with mentor-led training and opportunities to progress into specialised roles or management within the meat industry.

You'll learn foundational butchery skills, knife techniques, and lean manufacturing practices while adhering to health and food safety standards. The programme includes milestone incentives and a strong focus on personal development and

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required! We'll support you towards completing your Level 1 Functional Skills.
• Enthusiasm for the industry and a commitment to completing your apprenticeship.
• Keen to develop your skills and grow within the company.

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.

Skills

Enthusiasm for industry

Willingness to learn

Team Spirit

Education

Level 1 Functional Skills

Job description

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. Our Early Careers programme offers opportunities across all of our divisions including apprenticeships, graduate and industrial placement pathways.

ABP UK, part of the ABP Food Group produces quality fresh and frozen beef, lamb and frozen meat-free products to some of the nation's leading supermarkets and restaurants, including a number of Michelin Star establishments -Find out more below about how to become part of team!

Ready to carve out your career in the meat industry? Join our Butchery Apprenticeship Programme and learn from the best in the business! No experience? No problem - if you've got the right attitude, we'll teach you the rest.

• Location: Ellesmere, Shropshire
• Salary: Earn £12.71 per hour from day one - well above the National Minimum Wage for an apprenticeship.
• Extra Rewards: You could also earn up to an extra £2,500 during the programme through milestone incentive payments.
• Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
• Reporting to: Site Butchery Apprentice Mentor
• Start Date: Summer 2026 - We will work around you and your current commitments!

Why Choose ABP UK?

• Hands-On Experience: Dive into the world of butchery with real, hands-on learning from day one
• Career Growth: This is more than just a job-it's a launchpad for a dynamic career in the meat industry, with opportunities to advance into specialised roles or management.
• Sustainability: Work with a company committed to animal welfare and securing our business for the future.
• Supportive Team: Learn from experienced mentors and be part of a supportive, dynamic team.
• Recognition & Rewards: This programme doesn't just give you great training - it gives you the chance to earn great money too. You'll start on £12.71 per hour from day one, which is well above the National Minimum Wage for an apprenticeship, and you could earn up to an extra £2,500 during the programme through milestone incentive payments that recognise your hard work, progress and commitment.
• 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.

Role Definition

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.

Personal Attributes

• Safety First: Take personal responsibility for health and food safety.
• Eager to Learn: Show a willingness to learn, solve problems, and acquire new skills.
• Punctual & Reliable: Be diligent, reliable, and respectful towards customers and colleagues.
• Attention to Detail: Perform tasks diligently and understand the importance of efficiency for business profitability.
• Team Spirit: Maintain the vision and ethos of the business, taking pride in your work and fostering positive relationships with colleagues.

If you're ready to start earning, learn practical skills and build a future career, this could be the opportunity for you.

Qualifications & Skills

• No formal qualifications required! We'll support you towards completing your Level 1 Functional Skills.
• Enthusiasm for the industry and a commitment to completing your apprenticeship.
• Keen to develop your skills and grow within the company.

Future Career Path Progression

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.