When the animals arrive at the carefully regulated handling (lairage) facility until they are killed, you must be sympathetic and respectful of them during your abattoir worker apprenticeship.
Teamwork and diligence are required for the abattoir worker apprenticeship, as is adherence to professional behavioural standards following standard operating procedures.
After your apprenticeship, you might ultimately work your way up to managing the slaughter line or cutting/deboning operations and become an animal welfare officer.
To comply with the Food Standards Agency’s Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing legislation, abattoir workers must obtain a valid permit to operate, commonly known as a certificate of competence.
Individuals must be at least 18 years old to get a certificate of competence, which enables them to work in specific areas under the supervision of a certified veterinarian.
What you’ll learn
On an abattoir worker apprenticeship course, you’ll learn:
- The process and function in the slaughter process of penning/restraint.
- The method and procedure for receiving animals into and moving around the lairage facility. requirements within food chain information
- The importance regarding animal welfare and stress prevention during the period animals are held before slaughter.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- GCSEs, usually including English and Maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Assessment methods
The End Point Assessment comprises two assessments:
- Multiple choice test
- Observation with questioning
Restrictions and requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and licenced by the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to work as a slaughterman or slaughterwoman (Defra).
You must be at least 16 years old to work on a production line.
You may need a driver’s licence if your job requires you to deliver packages.
Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion
- Duration: 16 months
- Level: 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Relevant school subjects: Science
- Potential salary upon completion: £18,000 per annum
Apprenticeship standard
More information about the Level 2 Abattoir Worker Apprenticeship standard can be found here.
Apprenticeship end point assessment
For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.