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
Training
- Onsite Training: As an apprentice at ABP, you'll learn from experienced mentors and be part of a supportive, dynamic team. Alongside your mentor, you'll also have regular contact with the training provider who will visit you at the site and support you to complete your Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship
- Butchery Super Days: Take part in exciting three-day learning experiences delivered with our training provider, designed to bring your apprenticeship to life in a practical and engaging way. From sausage making and industry guest speakers to exploring areas beyond beef and lamb, such as wild game, plus farm visits to understand the full field‑to‑fork journey, you’ll gain hands‑on experiences that support your learning in a memorable way
What happens at the end
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.
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.
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Team working
- Physical fitness
Key details
- Wage: £26,436 a year
- Working week: Monday to Friday, 7.00am - 4.00pm.
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Duration: 1 Year 4 Months
- Start date: 2026-12-07
- Closing date: 2026-12-06
- Apprenticeship standard: Butcher (level 2)
- Training provider: LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
About the employer
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 14,000 strong team and have built a reputation for quality and innovation. ABP UK, part of the ABP Food Group produces quality fresh and frozen beef, lamb and frozen meat‑free products to some of the nations leading supermarkets and restaurants, including a number of Michelin Star establishments!
Butchery Apprenticeship Programme employer: Associated British Ports
At Associated British Ports, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values resilience and clear communication. Our team members benefit from comprehensive training, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to work in a dynamic environment at Solent Gateway, where every day brings new challenges and rewards.
