How to become a butcher
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 2 Diploma in Butchery
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma For Proficiency in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a butcher intermediate apprenticeship. Once working, you could move onto the butcher advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You can start as a trainee or assistant butcher and learn on the job. Knowledge of the meat trade or experience in food retailing may help you find a trainee job.
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Career tips
Any experience you have working with the public, food or handling cash would be useful for this career.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Meat or the National Craft Butchers.
Further information
You'll find more advice about becoming a butcher from Tasty Careers.