REASEHEATH College has become the first training provider in the north west to offer redesigned, employer-focused qualifications for butchery apprentices.

The Level 2 and Level 3 Butchery Apprenticeships have been redeveloped to new standards by a group of employers supported by FDQ (Food and Drink Qualifications), the UK’s only specialist awarding organisation for the food and drink industry.

FDQ has tested the training programmes for quality assurance, and they are being used as an example of good practice for other apprenticeship standards.

As well as completing a portfolio of work, the butchery apprentices will have to prove their knowledge, practical knife skills and their ability to relate to and advise customers.

On completion they will receive a recognised qualification and automatic membership of the Institute of Meat, the professional body for people who work in the meat industry.

FDQ chief executive Terry Fennell said: “Reaseheath College should be congratulated for the way it has embraced these brand new programmes and is pioneering them throughout the north west.

“This has been a huge step towards providing recognised, credible qualifications which answer the requirements of employers.

“These new apprenticeships have restored many of the traditional ‘craft and mastery’ skills that have been long associated with butchery.

“The apprentices and their employers will benefit from the excellent facilities and the on and off-the-job training services which Reaseheath provides.

“We are delighted that employers from throughout the region have taken up this exciting opportunity to train the next generation of butchers.”

John Major of Grants Butchers, Church Minshall, which had signed up an apprentice, said: “These new training programmes are good for apprentices because they are recognised throughout the industry and great for businesses because they ensure staff continuity.”

Reaseheath’s Head of Apprenticeships, Sharon Yates, said: “We welcome this opportunity to work even more closely with employers to ensure that our training programmes really meet their needs."

There are current vacancies for butchery apprentices with H. Clelow, Nantwich, the Hollies Farm Shop, Little Budworth and Cherrington Butchers (Shrewsbury).