Butcher
Prepare meat and poultry so it's safe to eat and sell it in shops, supermarkets or at local markets.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£346
Entry level
£500
Experienced
Monthly
£1,500
Entry level
£2,167
Experienced
Yearly
£18,000
Entry level
£26,000
Experienced
3,500
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
A day in the life – Butcher
What it's like
You would prepare meat and poultry so it’s safe to eat and sell it in shops, supermarkets or at local markets.
You might also make and sell your own specialist sausages, burgers and pies.
You would:
Order and pay for stock
Check deliveries for content and hygiene
Move meat stock to cold storage areas
Keep a record of the source of the meat and poultry
Create attractive counter and window displays
Cut, bone and trim meat
Serve customers at the counter and take payments
You’d use your in-depth knowledge to advise customers on how to prepare and cook meat and poultry safely. You’d also help them with getting the right type and cut of meat for the meal they want to cook.
You might deliver products to markets, wholesalers and customers’ premises.
You could specialise in halal, kosher or organic foods, depending on the demands of the local community.
You’d need to meet hygiene, and health and safety standards, and have a high standard of personal cleanliness.
Hours
Environment
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Food and drink
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- time management
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- respecting
- verbal communication
- listening
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Health and Food Technology (Home economics)
Hospitality: Practical Cookery (Home economics)
Skills for Work: Food and Drink Manufacturing Industry
Foundation Apprenticeship: Hospitality
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most employers require a good general education
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but it is helpful to complete Scottish Meat Training and gain qualifications such as a Proficiency in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills (QCF level 2 - equivalent to SVQ level 2).
You may also undertake a Modern Apprenticeship run by Scottish Meat Training, leading to Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) at levels 2 and 3 in the qualifications section.
Qualifications and experience with food, health and hygiene and customer services.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Butcher'
