How Seven Point Pork is Revitalising Butchery Apprenticeships

Introduction

In an era where traditional trades often go unnoticed, Seven Point Pork is making headlines for its commitment to fostering growth and creating opportunities in the specialised craft of butchery, with significant backing from Mas National, part of the IntoWork Group. John Roberts, now the Training Coordinator at Seven Point Pork in South Australia, began his journey with the company as a young apprentice and has been instrumental in shaping the apprenticeship program.

The Challenge

Butchery, despite its historic roots, is facing a significant challenge in Australia. The number of butchery apprenticeships has been declining, particularly in South Australia. According to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), the number of butchery apprenticeships in South Australia dropped from 1,130 in 2022 to only 915 in March 2024. This decline is due to several factors, including misconceptions about the trade, the perception that butchery is messy and unhygienic, and a lack of awareness about the career opportunities and skills development it offers. For Seven Point Pork, the challenge was to reverse this trend and attract new talent to the butchery trade, ensuring the future of the industry and the company’s continued success.

The Solution

To address these issues, Seven Point Pork, with the support of Mas National, implemented a comprehensive apprenticeship program designed to equip newcomers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in butchery. The program combines hands-on training with theoretical learning, ensuring that apprentices gain a well-rounded understanding of the craft. John Roberts, who has risen through the ranks from a knife hand to Training Coordinator, plays a crucial role in guiding and mentoring the apprentices.

Mas National has been pivotal in supporting these apprenticeships since 2023, providing assistance throughout the learning process. This year, they collaborated with Seven Point Pork to enrol several employees in a Certificate III in Meat Processing. The 24-month in-house training apprenticeship, delivered by Registered Training Organisation JBS Foods Australia, pairs apprentices with qualified butchers to learn the trade’s tools and techniques.

John Roberts shares his journey and the reality of butchery with potential apprentices, emphasizing that it is a highly organised, hygienic process with a strong focus on animal welfare. He offers straightforward advice: “Just apply yourself and be open to learning.” The program also includes training in specialty meats like prosciutto and skills such as allergen awareness, reflecting the evolving nature of the trade.

Mas National Acting CEO Ruth Hundertmark underscored the importance of these programs. “Mas National is proud to support Seven Point Pork in their efforts to revitalise butchery apprenticeships. These programs are crucial for preserving traditional skills and ensuring the future of the industry,” she said.

The Results

The implementation of the new apprenticeship program has yielded significant results for Seven Point Pork. Data processing times and operational inefficiencies have been reduced, allowing for faster and more informed decision-making. The company has seen a 25% improvement in customer satisfaction as the quality and variety of products have increased. Additionally, the program has helped to change perceptions about butchery, attracting more young people to the trade.

Stakeholders are highly positive about the changes, with Ruth Hundertmark noting, “As the apprenticeship program continues to thrive, the future of butchery in Australia looks promising. It shows there’s still a place for craftsmanship and traditional skills, and for those willing to learn and apply themselves, these skills can open doors to fulfilling and lifelong careers.”

Conclusion

By revitalising butchery apprenticeships, Seven Point Pork has not only addressed the challenge of a declining interest in the trade but has also ensured the future of the industry and the company’s success. The comprehensive program, supported by Mas National, has equipped new apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to excel, while also changing perceptions and attracting more talent. This initiative demonstrates the importance of preserving traditional skills and the potential for fulfilling careers in butchery for those who are willing to learn and apply themselves.