Level 2 Abattoir Apprentice

Abattoir workers need to be over 18, empathetic and respectful of animals. Teamwork and diligence are part and parcel of the role as well as upholding professional behavioural standards in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Those with Aptitude and dedication can progress to managing the slaughter-line or cutting/deboning operations, becoming an Animal Welfare Officer (AWO).

16 to 22 months, however everyone learns at different speeds you can complete in 12 months 18 months is the average.

All apprentices aged 18 and under and are working for an employer with <50 employees will have the full cost of their apprenticeship covered with Government funding. Apprentices aged 18 and under will also be eligible for further incentive payments.

For apprentices aged 19+, employers are required to make a 5% contribution towards the cost of the total apprenticeship funding. For a Abattoir Apprentice, this amounts to £450 + VAT.

If you are a levy paying employer ( have a wage bill of £3 million & above) then the full cost of your apprenticeship will be covered through your Apprenticeship Levy funds.

Further details on funding and incentives can be found below.

To be entered onto gateway (exam ready) requirements are a log book and Award for Proficiency in Protecting the Welfare of Animals at Time of Killing (WATOK) level 2. In addition, apprentices without English and mathematics at level 2 must achieve level 1 English and mathematics and have taken the tests for level 2 prior to taking their End Point Assessment (EPA) . The EPA consists of 2 distinct assessment methods:

• Multiple choice test
• Observation with questioning

It is anticipated that both assessment methods will be taken on the same day however, that is not a requirement. Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass or distinction.

Once you’ve successfully finished, you have plenty of choices. You could apply for another apprenticeship (advanced Butcher) or find a career that uses your new skills. Some of the top reasons for becoming an apprentice

• earn while you learn and get paid a competitive salary
• get high quality training paid for by your employer and the government.

• A productive and effective way to upskill and future-proof an organisation to grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled, and qualified workforce.
• It will provide a hands-on and practical experience to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours for the apprentice.
• Achieve a real return on investment from apprentices realising the business benefits of apprenticeships, with apprentices progressing in their chosen careers.
• From time to time the Government promote incentives to assist employers wishing to develop apprentices, ask for more information to see what is available.

Doing the apprenticeship can open many doors for you. It could lead your career into a direction you had never even existed.

Here are a few career goals you will be qualified for or can progress towards once you have passed your End Point Assessment…

• Abattoir manager
• Animal welfare officer
• Food Standards Agency (FSA)
• Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC)
• Livestock handler
• Animal plant inspector
• Meat inspector for animal certification

All apprenticeships are employer-led and are the responsibility of the employer, with support of training providers. The employer will normally provide:

• induction training, managing the employee, including performance management reviews
• conduct monthly 1-2-1s and provide support
• provide workplace learning activities, shadowing opportunities, coaching, and mentoring
• co-operate with Crosby to facilitate workplace application of the Butchery role
• provide ongoing and final feedback
• co-operate with the requirement for 20% of apprentices’ time to be spent ‘off the job’ learning related to the Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard

Assisting in preparing the apprentice for your organisation. Making sure your apprentice is working in an appropriate environment. Finding the right pace of learning for your apprentice Working with you to make sure your apprentice is learning the relevant skills (Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours).

There is no set time, good news is you can start when you the apprentice and the employer are ready.

95% of the apprenticeship is funded by the government 5% by the employer. If the apprentice is under 19 100% of the cost is covered by central government. There are other parameters dependent on size of the business.

The fee for the Butcher Apprentice Standard is £6000 this is fully funded by central government if the apprentice is under 19 if the employer is not paying the apprenticeship levy. An added incentive for non-levy payers is if the apprentice is under 19 you will receive £1000 grant in staged payments from the government. If the apprentice is over 18 non levy payers will be asked to contribute 5% of the fee so for level 2 this amounts to £450

The Abattoir Apprenticeship is catered to all ages, we can accommodate everyone from 16 years and above. There is no maximum age to begin the process and can commence at any time of year, as it’s not concurrent with the regular school year.

Following successful completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices are recognised by the Institute of Meat (IoM). This entitles them to use the initials M.Inst.M on email address, business cards & any other platforms.

For more information contact us by email at info@crosbytraining.co.uk or by phone at 01902 837452.