Butchery Apprenticeship Programme

ABP UK; South Cheriton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on training

Milestone incentives

Mentor support

Competitive apprenticeship wage

Job summary

ABP UK is inviting you to join its Butchery Apprenticeship Programme in Langport, Somerset. No experience is required; with the right attitude you’ll learn by doing from day one in a hands-on, shop-floor environment, guided by experienced mentors who are committed to your development.

This Level 2 apprenticeship runs 40 hours per week. You’ll earn £12.71 per hour from day one, with potential to earn up to £2,500 in milestone incentive payments over the programme, helping you build a solid start

Qualifications

• No formal qualifications required
• Enthusiasm for the industry and commitment to completing the apprenticeship
• Keen to develop skills and grow within ABP UK

Responsibilities

• Learn the basics of butchery principles, meat species, and carcass processing techniques.
• Develop knife skills for cutting, boning, trimming, and mincing meat.
• Understand the meat sector's history, values, culture, and traditions.
• Work with the team to meet deadlines and productivity targets.
• Adhere to health, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Assist in stock control, quality assurance, and customer expectations.

Skills

Enthusiasm for industry

Willingness to learn

Punctual and reliable

Attention to detail

Team spirit

Education

Level 1 Functional Skills support

Job description

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: Langport, Somerset

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: October 2026 - We will work around you and your current commitments!

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!

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.