Isle of Man Meats has begun an NVQ training scheme for the next generation of butchers.
Phil Parsons, Plant Director, Isle of Man Meats, said: “Traditionally the skills of local butchers have been handed down from one generation to the next but – as we have seen in many other industries – there’s a risk that these skills could be lost because school leavers now have so many opportunities when choosing their career path. That’s why we have decided to set up this new training scheme which is part of our broader investment in the future of the Island’s meat industry.”
It is being run in partnership with M.E.A.T Ipswich which is a leading, specialist provider of high-quality training to the meat industry with 35 years' experience in the trade.
Successful trainees will receive an NVQ Level 2 in Meat Processing – a qualification based on continual assessment. It can take anything from six months to two years to complete, depending upon each individual trainee's experience, skills, and ability to learn. Some trainees may be school leavers without any experience in the meat trade, while others may have experience from working in butcher's shops, and be very competent at their job, but would like their skills to be recognised.
Stuart Rae from Isle of Man Meats, an experienced local butcher who also has an NVQ qualification, is the course mentor. The first two trainees are Alistair Barnes and Mitchell Wells whose training will focus on the skills and knowledge they need to work in the Meat Plant. Very soon a third trainee will begin the course – their training will focus on helping them to pursue a career in the retail sector.
Phil Parsons added: “We have a great mentor in Stuart, and very enthusiastic trainees who are all very eager to learn. With the support of M.E.A.T Ipswich as well, our NVQ scheme is all set to provide the next generation of butchers that the trade will need to work at the Meat Plant, or in butcher’s shops, supermarkets or other retail outlets.”
Jane Dale, Managing Director, M.E.A.T Ipswich, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Isle of Man Meats to develop and deliver their butchery training scheme. The trainees who are awarded the NVQ Level 2 in Meat Processing will have a qualification that’s recognised across the industry in the Isle of Man and UK, and the knowledge and skills they need to follow their chosen career paths.”
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