Butchery Apprenticeship Programme
Associated British PortsExpected closing date: Sunday, 1 November 2026
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Key Takeaways
- Undertake a Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship with ABP UK, learning practical butchery skills and industry knowledge.
- Earn £26,436 per year, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7am-4pm.
- The apprenticeship programme lasts 1 year and 4 months, with a closing date for applications on 2026-11-01.
- Gain skills in butchery, knife work, food safety, and develop life skills such as time management and communication.
About the Role
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.
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, 7am- 4pm.
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Duration: 1 Year 4 Months
- Start date: 2026-11-09
- Closing date: 2026-11-01
- Apprenticeship standard: Butcher (level 2)
- Training provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP