The news was revealed at a presentation during the Bakers and Butchers Extravaganza on Sunday held at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Food and Drink Training Council (FTC) operations director Terry Fennell told the audience that the government would be increasing funding from a 50:50 to a 2:1 contribution for training. Butchers will be offered a deal where they will be given an increased incentive of up to £3,600.
“Butchery Trailblazer is a ‘no brainer’!” explained Roger Kelsey, chief executive of the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders (NFMFT). “It’s an apprenticeship designed by and for the industry, with great incentives that gives a butcher with less than 50 staff and a 16-to 18-year-old completing an apprenticeship £3.6k, as well as two-thirds of the training fee where butchers shopping around can actually make a profit.”
Over 400 registrations and more than 50 exhibitors attended the Bakers and Butchers Extravaganza, which saw over 300 entries in the Great Yorkshire Pork Pie, Sausage and Products Competition, organised by the Confederation of Yorkshire Butcher Councils.
Jim Richardson, head of meat tech at Leeds City College, was also at the event to promote the learning institute.
