The Abattoir Worker Standard launched in 2018 has so far attracted less than 50 apprentices onto programme each year. The Standard attracts a funding value of £6,000 per apprentice paid direct to the training provider and this covers the full cost of the typical 15-month training programme that culminates with end point assessments that are independent and carried out to ensure competence has been achieved. The apprentice will also complete the L2 WATOK qualification as part of the free training package so offering an additional saving for the employers and enables the learner to gain the necessary FSA certificate of competence required in this part of the abattoir.

NCB members can gain more information about the programme content here Abattoir worker / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and if they would like to speak with a Training Provider to learn more about delivery aspects of the apprenticeship they should click the link Training providers for Abattoir worker (level 2) (education.gov.uk) with both Workforce Development Training and Crosby Management Training approved centres to offer this specialist provision across England.

It’s a great course that attracts good government funding and is open to Abattoir workers of all ages providing a structured 15 month training programme delivered by specialist providers who will visit and deliver the training onsite. The Abattoir apprenticeship is open to SME and large employers and on successful completion of the programme apprentices will receive a Institute for Apprenticeships Level 2 Certificate that is internationally recognised as a sign of knowledge and competence. This apprenticeship is uniquely designed for the slaughter side of the meat industry and offers employers a structured programme of CPD for workers in this part of the business. The danger is that if employers don’t use the apprenticeship funding on offer by the Government will withdraw the programme and the industry will lose this funding for good.