Global pork producer Pilgrim’s UK is launching a Butchery and Abattoir Academy, to help fill the sector skills gap by developing UK-based industry talent.
The aim of the Academy is to recruit and support the training and skills development of UK-based workers, as well as opening up new opportunities for people to develop a career in the sector.
Applications for the Academy are now open to any UK-based aspiring butcher. Through the Academy apprentices will complete an 18-month Level 2 Butchery and Abattoir apprenticeship which combines a mixture of classroom learning and on-site working, in partnership with Pilgrim UK’s training provider Bishop Burton College. Apprentices who complete Level 2 will also have the opportunity to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship, which will allow individuals to progress into supervisory roles.
Pilgrim’s UK is also supporting the Skilled Worker pipeline by recruiting overseas labour, predominantly from the Philippines where interest in butchery and manufacturing roles has been particularly high. Pilgrim’s UK’s head of butchery has played an instrumental role in recruiting the new employees from the Philippines and helping them settle into life in the UK; the number of recruits doubled between April and August.
Konrad Pacholski, head of butchery development at Pilgrim’s UK, said: “We’re really excited to be launching the Butchery Academy – recruiting people of all levels and abilities into the sector and educating them on the opportunities available is something I’m personally very passionate about.
“Labour challenges are impacting a number of industries and it’s something we’re working hard to tackle at Pilgrim’s UK as one of the UK’s largest food and farming businesses. We hope this trial is successful so we can continue to expand our offering in the years to come.”