Just looked at some previous posts. D.L.Gang in N.Y. was looking for apprenticeship to become a butcher. God bless him, but I think most of us know the reality today.
Some of my comments were on a previous topic, but, the subject is still the same. Their are good careers available in our line of work today more so than 10 years ago. Some exceptions may apply due to location. The problem i.m.o., is real training is very difficult to find. The butchers who have the knowledge, and more importantly, are willing to share, are either retired, dead, or under such time restraints, they can't really train. I don't have the answers, but some big retailers are clamoring for experienced butchers.
The issues I see now more than ever, is men and women come to our little corner of the universe, a.k.a., cutting room, and realize too late that this s**t is cold, wet, and hard work. They want me to work until 11p.m. and come back at 5 a.m., they want me to work every weekend and nearly all holidays. If I don't stack the truck, it doesn't get done. You've got to interact with customers and do it with a smile. You've got some bosses who are real a******s, but you may need a favor from
him tomorrow. Insurance rates are forcing you to skip dentist visits or not getting that carpal tunnel syndrome worked on. Brothers and sisters, we know why we do this work, me personally 45 years, but passing the passion forward is still up for grabs.
I think you're right. Training is a hard thing to come by. Around here the only way to get it is to work and learn, so u have to get the job first, then the experience.
Thats exactly what I'm saying. New hires need to hope they hook up with someone who is willing to share their knowledge without losing their temper first.
ive seen more ads for meatcutters than I have for years,,,,for chain and independent stores
the need is definitely out there for good butchers....
whether they are retail butchers/meatcutters or processing plant butchers there are lots of opportunities..
most of the training is in house training,,,,which,,,is actually a good deal because you get paid for being trained...
here is the challenge more so today than in decades past,,,,because of this liberal pc world,,,lots of young men have thin skin, and in the face of adversity,,,will run away than taking the fire and grit it out
outside of this,,,,with young men and woman ,,it depends on who is doing the training.. the older cutters can certainly inspire the young apprentices
I visit many many stores in my job,,,i have for twenty years,,,, and even today I see many good men and women in training..
as for the future, I see a bright future,,, the small butchers shops are coming back!!
the more the big box stores go case ready meats,,,the more the opportunities for the butcher shops!!
are meatcutters losing training on full butchery....perhaps some,,,but if needed they can always work part time at a processing place
