Meat & Poultry Skills Trainer in Ballymena

Location: Northern Ireland - flexible base with travel across NI. Most travel will be concentrated around Derry/Londonderry, Cookstown, Dungannon and Ballymena.

Salary: £15.00-£16.75 per hour, depending on experience. Equivalent to approximately £27,600-£30,800 per annum, based on a 35.35-hour working week.

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent. Part-time opportunities may also be considered, and there may be scope for overtime or additional hours depending on business and training requirements.

Full-time hours are 35.35 hours per week:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:45am-5:00pm
• Friday: 8:45am-4:00pm

The Role: Happy Jobs NI is representing a well-established and respected training and education provider specialising in industry-recognised qualifications for the meat and poultry processing sector. Due to continued growth and the onboarding of new employer clients, the organisation is expanding its delivery team and is seeking Meat & Poultry Skills Trainers. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced butcher, meat processing professional, production supervisor, in-house trainer or specialist skills trainer who is passionate about developing people and supporting career progression within the food manufacturing industry.

If you are a trained butcher or have completed a butchery apprenticeship, we would be particularly keen to speak with you. Your practical industry knowledge could provide an ideal foundation for progressing into a vocational training, tutoring or assessing role. Previous experience as a tutor, trainer or assessor would be highly desirable, but it is not essential. Candidates who have trained, mentored or supervised employees within a meat or poultry processing environment are strongly encouraged to apply, as ongoing support and professional development can be provided.

The position would also suit someone currently working as a Meat Skills Trainer, Butchery Trainer, Poultry Processing Trainer, Specialist Skills Trainer or Learning and Development Trainer who would like to move into a more formal vocational education and assessment role. You will deliver practical and theory-based training and assessment for vocational qualifications at Levels 2 and 3. Training will take place in classroom environments and on-site at employer premises across Northern Ireland. Candidates can be based anywhere in Northern Ireland, although proximity to training centres in Derry/Londonderry, Strabane, Omagh or Cookstown would be advantageous.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver engaging practical and theory-based training in meat processing, poultry processing, butchery and related vocational qualifications.
• Assess learners' practical skills, technical knowledge and workplace competence.
• Provide clear, constructive one-to-one feedback to support learner development and progression.
• Help learners compile and complete portfolios of evidence in line with awarding-body requirements.
• Develop, implement and regularly review individual learning plans.
• Adapt training materials and delivery methods to suit different abilities, learning styles and support needs.
• Support learners whose first language is not English by using clear and inclusive training methods.
• Maintain accurate learner records, assessment paperwork and monitoring documentation.
• Work closely with employer clients to identify training needs and upskill their workforce through recognised qualifications.
• Act as an academic and pastoral point of contact for learners throughout their programme.
• Complete other appropriate duties aligned with the responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification / About You:

Essential:

• A strong practical background within the meat or poultry processing industry, including experience in butchery, production, quality, training or supervision.
• A minimum Level 3 qualification in meat and poultry industry skills, butchery or a closely related discipline.
• Experience training, mentoring or supervising colleagues within a workplace environment.
• GCSE English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong communication, organisational and time-management skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a wider team.
• A flexible approach and willingness to travel across Northern Ireland.

Desirable, but not essential:

• A Level 4 or higher qualification in meat and poultry industry skills, butchery, food manufacturing or a related subject.
• An assessor qualification, such as D33, A1 or the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement.
• A teaching or training qualification, such as a Level 4 Teaching Certificate, PGCE or equivalent.
• Experience delivering NVQs, apprenticeships or other vocational qualifications.
• Experience working as an in-house trainer, meat skills trainer, butchery trainer or learning and development professional.
• Confidence using ICT systems for learner tracking, assessment and administration.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly rate of £15.00-£16.75, depending on experience.
• Potential opportunity for overtime or additional hours, subject to business requirements.
• Personal performance-related bonus for achieving agreed targets.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Pool car and fuel card provided for business travel.
• Industry-leading holiday allowance.
• Christmas shopping day.
• Equipment support pack.
• Funded training and professional qualification opportunities.
• Support for experienced industry professionals moving into training or assessment.
• The opportunity to join a growing training organisation during an exciting period of expansion.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about the meat and poultry industry and enjoy helping others develop their practical skills, qualifications and careers, we would be delighted to hear from you. Whether you are an experienced Meat & Poultry Skills Trainer or a trained butcher, production professional or supervisor considering your first formal training role, apply today with your CV to find out more.