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Butcher

Prepare meat and poultry so it's safe to eat and sell it in shops, supermarkets or at local markets.

About skillsGetting in

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

You would work about 40 hours a week, which may include early mornings. You would usually work Saturdays, and Sundays in supermarkets, with time off during the week.

Environment

You will spend much of the day on your feet and you may need to lift and carry heavy joints of meat. You will wear protective clothing when handling meat, to comply with hygiene standards. You may work in chill rooms and cold stores for short periods.

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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.

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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.

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Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Health and Food Technology

  • Hospitality: Practical Cookery

  • 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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