The scheme – a joint venture between the Scotch Butchers Club, Scotch Beef Club, the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association (SFMTA) and the City of Glasgow College – hopes to “combat the shortage of young people going into butchery.”
Conducted by QMS master butcher, Stewart McClymont and Scottish Meat’s training assessor, Sean Graham, “expert-led” training sessions will cover: carcase/primal breakdown; boning out; seam cutting; trimming and the production of burgers, sausages and bacon.
As well as providing insight into the skills of a master butcher, the course will also “further support students find placements within a retail butchery environment” by involving them in the sale of products (including Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork).
Graeme Sharp, manager of QMS’ Scotch Butchers Club, said: “Attracting, training and retaining younger skilled staff is a key issue for the butchery industry and we are delighted to be supporting young students in their training.
“Promoting and encouraging young people to develop their skills in the trade and bring forward innovative ideas is key to the future of the industry and it’s great to see the passion and drive every one of the students has.
“Three students from the pilot have already shown an interest in finding part-time work in a butcher’s retail outlet.”