Butchers do a lot of work before the shop even opens, inspecting the stock, preparing displays, and prepping customer orders. Throughout the day, multi-tasking is important because you’ll be inspecting, cutting, weighing, and wrapping orders as well as interacting with customers. Typically this is active and fast-paced work. Even when there aren’t customers waiting, there’s still a lot of clean-up and prep work to do.
Taking some shop classes in high school will help you gain familiarity with hand and power tools—transferable skills you can take with you into your trade as a butcher. Specific education requirements vary depending on what country you live in, but this is a trade you can start without any additional higher education pretty much anywhere. [4] X Research source
In some places, such as in Canada, you can also get a trade certification—but this isn’t required to start work as a butcher. [6] X Research source
Since grocery stores and delis are pretty much always looking for help, it shouldn’t be too hard to find openings. Once you’ve got your foot in the door, show enthusiasm, confidence, and a willingness to learn. Because butchers often deal directly with customers, it’s helpful if you can show that you have good retail experience. [8] X Research source This includes working in a restaurant or at a grocery store. After a few months as a meat cutter, if you show interest, you can start learning how to do more complex cuts and handle larger pieces of meat.
As a member of the union, you also get plenty of support, including job placement once you complete the apprenticeship program.
The cut can impact the flavor and presentation of the meat as well, and a great butcher is an artist. You’ll know you’ve got what it takes when customers start requesting cuts from you specifically!
If you’re used to sitting for most of the day, do what you can to spend more time on your feet—even if it means you’re watching TV standing up. It’ll prepare you for a typical workday. Work on building your upper body strength so you’re able to lift heavy meat boxes and carry them around.
Some of these programs have a specialty focus. For example, the Madison Area Technical Community College in Madison, Wisconsin offers an artisanal modern meat butchery diploma that capitalizes on the farm-to-table culinary trend. [13] X Research source If you dream of opening your own butcher’s shop someday, you might think about a degree in business so you’ll know what it takes to get the place up and running.
Halal’s main focus is the initial slaughter of the animal, but there are also some rules related to the preparation and handling of the meat. [15] X Research source
