Industry supports Butchery Standard Apprenticeship
In a consultation conducted by food industry skills charity FTC, as part of a three-year review into the scheme, it was found that majority (64%) of respondents felt it “accurately reflected the knowledge needed for the sector”.
The survey also found that the scheme offered up the skills needed by a Level 2 butcher, according to 80% of respondents.
One area of the Apprenticeship where change was suggested was in the diversified standards. Just under half (46%) of employers surveyed and the majority (92%) of training providers felt there should be consideration given to separately devised standards such as craft, retail and processing butchery as there are major differences between the various areas. One major retailer that participated in the survey said that while they highly rate the scheme, they felt the end assessments don’t take into account the balance between butchery processes and customer service that arises in a supermarket environment.
The majority of respondents also said they’d recommend the Butchery Standard Apprenticeship to someone considering butchery as a career.
The consultation drew contributions from employers, training providers, trade organisations and butchery apprentices.
The scheme will be subject to a formal Institute of Apprenticeships review later this year.
FTC chief executive Bill Jermey said: “I’m delighted that so many respected members of our industry lent their voice to the consultation. It’s certainly pleasing to hear the apprenticeship being so positively received. However, the report is much more than a one-dimensional endorsement. I’m sure the employer group will take on board its learnings and together we can improve it even further.”
