Plumpton College launches ‘trailblazer’ apprenticeship

Yesterday evening Plumpton College hosted an inaugural Butchery Showcase inviting butchers and suppliers from London and the South East to celebrate the launch of its butchery apprenticeship.

Plumpton College is at the very forefront of the new butchery ‘trailblazer’ apprenticeship scheme. Out of 50 students so far registered nationally, 15 are studying at Plumpton College.

The new apprenticeship gives students qualifications in food hygiene, health and safety and knife skills before moving on to a craft section consisting of the core knowledge, butchery skills and personal standards required by the modern butcher. The third part of the apprenticeship consists of a final assessment to confirm a pass in the apprenticeship.

The event provided a chance for businesses and butchers to network and meet would be apprentices. The evening commenced with a key note address from Roger Kelsey, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders. Attendees enjoyed a fore quarter seaming for profit demonstration as well as new butchery products and machinery from Verstegen, Leonards Ingredients, Windsor Food Machinery and Weald Packaging. 

The evening was a great success with local business Isfield Farm Shop gaining its first apprentice, one of Plumpton’s Level 3 Agriculture students who will look to start after completing his studies.