Butcher

On a typical day you could:

• receive stock deliveries and put them into cold storage
• create product displays
• cut, bone and trim meat
• serve customers
• clean knives, cutting equipment and work areas

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of food production methods
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• customer service skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Some employers will want you to have a Level 2 Award in Food Safety. This can be taken as a 1-day course and is widely available through colleges and private training providers.

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

With experience you could:

• become a manager in a butcher’s shop, farm shop or supermarket
• specialise in particular product types like organic or cured meats
• take further training to become a master butcher
• move into catering, meat manufacturing or wholesaling
• set up your own business

You could also work at the Food Standards Agency, checking quality and standards in abattoirs and meat plants.