Abattoir apprenticeships at risk

However, over the last few years, fewer and fewer companies have been enrolling staff on the abattoir apprenticeship, which places it at risk of being de-listed. As an interim measure, the IFATE has agreed to review the number of participants in six months’ time.

Christine Walsh, AHDB Head of Stakeholder Engagement Management, commented: “With a recognised shortage of both slaughter and boning hall staff across the UK, it would be disappointing if the abattoir apprenticeship standard was de-listed.

“There hasn’t been a lot of promotion or uptake for the apprenticeship, and this may be because employers do not know where to source qualified training providers in such a specialised area.

“However, I would encourage all those working in the slaughter industry to consider whether some of their staff would benefit from completing the apprenticeship, as we are at risk of losing a good training opportunity.”

Two training providers that support the abattoir apprenticeship standard and offer nationwide coverage are Workforce Training & Development Ltd. and Crosby Butchery Training.

For more information about this, please get in touch with Christine Walsh or your trade association.