Overview
Butchers cut up meat and sell it to customers. They use very sharp knives and saws. Some butchers also make sausages and pies using the meat they prepare. Butchers weigh out meat. They cut meats such as ham using a slicing machine.
Activities
- Cutting up meat using saws and sharp knives
- Weighing and slicing meat
- Serving customers and telling them how to cook the meat
- Taking delivery of meat
- Making sure that the meat is stored properly
- Setting out the displays of meat and putting them away at the end of the day
- Taking payment from customers
- Keeping the shop clean and tidy
Organisation
Butchers in The Black Country may work for independent shops or on market stalls. They may also own this themselves or they may be employed by the owner. Butchers work in butcher’s shops, supermarkets and food processing companies.
Workplace
Butchers mainly work indoors in a shop or supermarket but those on market stalls are outside in all weathers.
Working Hours
Butchers generally work about 40 hours a week, although there are opportunities for part-time work. Many jobs offer part-time work only.
Average Salary
Starting salary £14,500
Qualifications
There are no set qualifications for entry into this type of work, it will depend on the employer.
Many employers will want you to have some GCSEs, particularly English and maths whereas others will be more flexible. Some employers may allow you to start as a trainee or assistant butcher and learn on the without formal qualifications.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the Dfe exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship