The academy, which now has its first cohort of trainees at Pilgrim’s Europe’s Westerleigh site near Bristol, will offer paid training, recognised qualifications and ‘long-term career opportunities’ for those looking to develop specialist craft butchery skills.
The move comes at a crucial juncture for both the UK food manufacturing sector, and more specifically its meat industry, which is facing a skilled butcher shortage and a marked decline in the number of abattoirs serving local farmers.
Pilgrim’s Europe says that aspiring butchers who join the academy will be trained to a high standard through a combination of both classroom learning and hands-on experience with on-site teams.
“Just as access to a local abattoir is a major priority for farmers, investment in our people and butchery skills is critical to the continued viability of both our Westerleigh site and Pilgrim’s farm-to-fork quality British pork model,” said Ed Hillier, site director – Westerleigh at Pilgrim’s Europe, and lead sponsor of the Butchery Academy.
“The Butchery Academy at Westerleigh reflects our focus on developing local talent, supporting our workforce and strengthening the resilience of the UK food supply chain and the communities that depend on it.”
The programme will additionally help build core technical skills, as well as vital health, safety and food hygiene knowledge, in order to better prepare trainees for progression onto production lines and future specialist roles.
Successful trainees will be able to become a Grade 2 Butcher within 12 weeks, earning what Pilgrim’s is calling ‘a competitive wage’ whilst training.
The firms adds that it is also offering ongoing development opportunities for people who are keen to progress in their careers to Grade 1.
“Building a skilled and sustainable workforce means creating clear entry routes, strong development pathways and long-term career opportunities,” commented Kirsty Wilkins, chief people officer at Pilgrim’s Europe.
“The Butchery Academy plays an important role in attracting new talent into the business, supporting progression and ensuring we continue to invest in the skills our people need to grow and succeed.”
The new academy comes as a recent Nestlé report revealed that UK manufacturing is facing a serious impending skills crisis as the sector remains ‘invisible’ to Gen z.
