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Meat process worker

Alternative titles for this job include Meat factory worker, abattoir worker, slaughterhouse worker

Meat process workers produce meat products for the food manufacturing, catering and food retail industries.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Meat process worker

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course, like proficiency in the meat and poultry industry, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need for this job.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Abattoir Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a meat production company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You do not need any particular qualifications to apply directly for this job. Some employers may prefer you to have some GCSEs at grades 9 to 2 (A* to E).

You may have an advantage if you've got experience of using a forklift truck for moving stock, though this is not essential.

More Information

Career tips

In this job, you must be able to deal with the duties that come with handling animal carcasses.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in meat food production from Tasty Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of food production methods
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • concentration skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

To work as a slaughterman or slaughterwoman you must be licensed by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and aged 18 or over.

For production line work, you need to be at least 16.

You might need a driving licence if your job includes delivery duties.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties will depend on where you work. You could:

  • humanely slaughter and prepare livestock in an abattoir
  • cut, de-bone and prepare carcasses in a meat processing factory
  • prepare meat for retail or catering in meat or poultry processing plants
  • prepare meat for specialist catering orders in butcheries
  • make deliveries

Working environment

You could work at an abattoir or in a factory.

Your working environment may be cold and physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a shift supervisor or manager on the production line, or in an area like quality control, product development or food marketing.

With further experience you could train to become a meat hygiene inspector.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a Meat process worker right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Award in Food Safety and Hygiene

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Halesowen

RSPH Level 2 Award in Food Safety and Hygiene

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 20 March 2025
  • Location: Chichester
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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