the young butchers, Jason Edwards and Elizabeth James, two incredibly talented butchery apprentices who were trained by Reaseheath College in Nantwich have qualified for the national WorldSkills UK Butchery competition finals.
WorldSkills and UK Butchers
Edwards and James will now take part in the finals at WorldSkills UK Live, which in case you were unaware, is the nation’s largest skills and careers event. It takes place at the NEC Birmingham during the month of November, and they’ve rightfully earned their places by impressing the judge’s panel during the Midlands regional heat. Regionals were hosted in Reaseheath College’s industry-standard Food Centre.
Butchery is merely one of over 60 skills featured in Worldskills UK Live. These competitions are actually designed by industry-leading experts, and they focus on both the highest UK and international standards.
Jason Edwards proudly shows off his meat display in the regional heat of Butchery WorldSkills UK.
Jason Edwards and Elizabeth James, despite their young age, will need to demonstrate a wide range of skills. During the final, judges will be looking out for a high-quality display of things such as:
- Safe and hygienic working practices
- Innovation
- Work ethic
- Creativity
- A structured method and approach to tasks
- And Precision.
The finalists will also be expected to complete five tasks over two days… in front of a live audience!
Jason and Elizabeth
Jason, who is 25, is currently a butcher at The Hollies Farm Shop in Lower Stretton, whereas Elizabeth, who is only 17, works at her family’s business known as W. James Butchers, located in Stoke-on-Trent. Both of these budding Masters of Craft are studying for their FDQ Diploma in professional Butchery Level 2 at Reaseheath, while they continue to gain experience in paid employment.
Jason Edwards has only worked at The Hollies Farm Shop for just under two years and has very nearly completed his Level 2 apprenticeship. He soon hopes to progress on to his Level 3 apprenticeship.
He said: “This is the first time I’ve done a competition like this. It’s been a good learning experience and I’m looking forward to the final. Butchery is a great career for young people, particularly if you like being active and creating things with your hands.”
Elizabeth James in action at WorldSkills Butchery UK
Elizabeth is actually a FIFTH generation butcher who has grown up in the industry and is lucky enough to work alongside her father as well as other relatives. She only began her apprenticeship a year ago and is highly appreciative of the support of Reaseheath’s experts when it comes to the more technical side of her current role.
She said: “I was surprised to get selected but I’m really excited and very much looking forward to the final. Just qualifying is a big achievement.”
WorldSkills UK Sponsors
The WorldSkills UK Butchery competition is organised by award-winning training provider Cambrian Training Company. It is also supported by an Industry Steering Group.
WorldSkills UK sponsors include:
- The Food and Drink Education Training Council
- The Institute of Meat
- Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales
- The National Federation of Meat and Food Traders
- and the Worshipful Company of Butchers.
Cambrian Training Company’s Marketing Manager herself, Katy Godsell emphasised: “It’s important that butchery is represented as a skill at WorldSkills UK because it’s a real craft that needs to be benchmarked and promoted. Its inclusion as a Worldskills competition for the fifth time is a great way to raise the industry’s standards and profile across the UK.”
And we certainly couldn’t agree more! I’m sure you’ll join us in wishing the best of luck to both Jason Edwards and Elizabeth James in their upcoming WorldSkills UK Butchery finals – we’re rooting for you both!
And don’t forget to keep checking back for more updates, news and events.