At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn butchery skills and contribute to producing award-winning meat products.
- Company: Join ABP Food Group, a leader in the agri-food industry with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour plus up to £2,500 in incentives during your apprenticeship.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth and skill development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in butchery with hands-on training and real-world experience.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 27500 £ per year.
ABP Food Group is one of Europe's leading integrated agri‑food businesses, with divisions specialising in food production, pet food and renewables. Over our 70‑year history, we have grown to a strong team of 14,000 and have built a reputation for quality and innovation. Our Early Careers programme offers opportunities across all of our divisions including apprenticeships, graduate and industrial placement pathways.
ABP UK, part of the ABP Food Group, produces quality fresh and frozen beef, lamb and frozen meat‑free products to some of the nation's leading supermarkets and restaurants, including a number of Michelin Star establishments. Ready to carve out your career in the meat industry? Join our Butchery Apprenticeship Programme and learn from the best in the business! No experience? No problem – if you've got the right attitude, we'll teach you the rest.
Location: Ellesmere, Shropshire
Salary: Earn £12.71 per hour from day one – well above the National Minimum Wage for an apprenticeship.
Extra Rewards: You could also earn up to an extra £2,500 during the programme through milestone incentive payments.
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
Reporting to: Site Butchery Apprentice Mentor
Start Date: Summer 2026 – We will work around you and your current commitments!
Why Choose ABP UK?
- Hands‑On Experience: Dive into the world of butchery with real, hands‑on learning from day one.
- Career Growth: This is more than just a job—it’s a launchpad for a dynamic career in the meat industry, with opportunities to advance into specialised roles or management.
- Sustainability: Work with a company committed to animal welfare and securing our business for the future.
- Supportive Team: Learn from experienced mentors and be part of a supportive, dynamic team.
- Recognition & Rewards: This programme gives you great training and the chance to earn great money.
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.
Role Definition: 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.
Personal Attributes:
- Safety First: Take personal responsibility for health and food safety.
- Eager to Learn: Show a willingness to learn, solve problems and acquire new skills.
- Punctual & Reliable: Be diligent, reliable and respectful towards customers and colleagues.
- Attention to Detail: Perform tasks diligently and understand the importance of efficiency for business profitability.
- Team Spirit: Maintain the vision and ethos of the business, taking pride in your work and fostering positive relationships with colleagues.
If you're ready to start earning, learn practical skills and build a future career, this could be the opportunity for you.
Qualifications & Skills: No formal qualifications required! We'll support you towards completing your Level 1 Functional Skills. Enthusiasm for the industry and a commitment to completing your apprenticeship. Keen to develop your skills and grow within the company.
Future Career Path Progression: 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.
Butchery Apprenticeship Programme employer: ABP UK
ABP UK is an exceptional employer, offering a Butchery Apprenticeship Programme that combines hands-on experience with a supportive team environment in Ellesmere, Shropshire. With competitive pay starting at £12.71 per hour and the potential to earn additional milestone incentives, employees are recognised for their hard work while gaining valuable skills for a dynamic career in the meat industry. The company prioritises sustainability and animal welfare, ensuring that apprentices not only develop technical expertise but also essential life skills, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Butchery Apprenticeship Programme
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research ABP Food Group and their values. When you show genuine interest in their mission and culture during interviews, it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even lead to referrals—who doesn’t love a good recommendation?
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to butchery and teamwork. Role-play with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and nail that interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the Butchery Apprenticeship Programme right there, making it super easy for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Butchery Apprenticeship Programme
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:Let your passion for the meat industry shine through in your application. We want to see that you're eager to learn and grow with us, so don’t hold back on expressing your excitement about the Butchery Apprenticeship Programme!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and attitude align with what we’re looking for. Mention any relevant experiences or qualities that make you a great fit for our team at ABP UK.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a strong candidate for the apprenticeship. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABP UK
✨Know Your Butchery Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of butchery principles and meat processing techniques. Familiarise yourself with different meat species and carcass processing methods. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
ABP UK values a willingness to learn, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve approached learning new skills in the past. Share examples of times when you’ve tackled challenges or picked up new tasks quickly. This will demonstrate your commitment to growth within the company.
✨Emphasise Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you’ve worked well in a team. Highlight your ability to meet deadlines and support colleagues. This will align with ABP UK's focus on teamwork and maintaining a positive work environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training process, opportunities for advancement, or how the company supports its apprentices. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also in your future with the company.
