Fish Apprenticeships

Meat Apprenticeships

Short Courses

The Fish/Shellfish Apprenticeship is designed for those wishing to work towards a Level 2 Certificate within the fish and shellfish industry. It covers various aspects of competence in a range of practical skills.

If you work with fish, in fish management or fish wholesalers, fish preparation or fish frying this is the qualification for you.

We offer bespoke training using modern interactive materials which can be tailored to match the needs of our customers. This can be anything from setting up a fish retail unit to a training package for 200 staff in customer service.

Some of us enjoyed school and some of us did not. Whichever the case, an Apprenticeship can get you a valuable qualification. An Apprenticeship in the meat industry is a full-time job with structured training and teaching towards a Level 2.

How much will I earn?

It will be at least minimum wage and usually a lot more. Currently the national minimum wage (reviewed every October) is:

£6.70 - workers 21 and over
£5.30 - 18 - 20 years
£2.87 - for 16 - 17 years who are above school leaving age but under 18
£3.30 - for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over who are in the first year of apprenticeships.

The quicker you learn the quicker your wage will increase.

How do I learn and get qualified?

A training plan is drawn up with your yourself, your employer and a MEAT assessor. MEAT will train you on skills and assess the skills you have already.

Your assessor will visit you regularly to assess your practical skills, review your progress and set objectives with you and your employer. You are given a portfolio with training DVDs and workbooks to complete.

What are the entry requirements

In order to join the Apprenticeship you will need to be keen, motivated, show initiative and be literate and numerate (although in some cases additional support can be given).

Please understand that the Apprenticeship is suitable for those who are prepared to work hard and organise themselves in order to meet agreed objectives (there is homework involved). This is a demanding qualification but it will prove invaluable if you want a progressive career within the meat/food industry.

Will I get help if I need it?

Yes, we will help you every step of the way (before, during and after the course). Whilst you are on the course we will call you every 2 weeks to offer support during regular tutorials over the telephone. You can always contact MEAT whenever you may need to by telephone or by email.

Will I have to go to college?

No, we carry out all the assessments at your workplace, but you can attend the Ipswich Centre if you would like to, which is easily accessible by all modes of transport and also has ample parking.

What qualifications will I get?

A Level 2 Certificate for Proficiency in Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills and Functional Skills Certificates in English and Maths. Once you have completed all mentioned you will be presented with an Apprenticeship Certificate.

How long does it take?

A lot depends on you - how quickly you learn. Usually 13 - 18 months.

What are the qualifications worth?

Equivalent to 5 GCSE grades A-C.

Can I get more qualifications?

Yes. You can progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship - Level 3 Certificate for Proficiency in Fish and Shellfish Industry Skills, HACCP Level 2 and Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths and you will need to attend Ipswich 4 times a year for 3 days.

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How to Apply for an Apprenticeship

The Advanced Apprenticeship is designed for those who wish to progress to a supervisory/management role within the meat/food industry. It covers various aspects of supervision/management from practical risk assessment all the way through to monitoring and controlling costs.

Duration of Course

This is down to individual circumstances, but the normal time allowed for completion is between 18 and 24 months.
Where do I have to to?

The course runs at MEAT Ipswich centre in 3 day blocks. These are normally a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and are approximately once every 3 months (we aim to fit in 4 blocks a year and try wherever possible to avoid bank holidays, Christmas, etc.

What support will I receive?

All blocks are run by our professionally qualified staff who will be able to help you with any queries you may have while you are at MEAT. You will be visited by a qualified assessor in your workplace who will also help you with targets and objectives. In addition to this you will receive telephone tutorials once every 3-4 weeks to check your progress. There is also the option to email your trainer/assessor with any queries.

Entry Requirements

In order to join the Advanced Apprenticeship a Level 2 would be advisable. You must be literate and numerate (although in some cases additional support can be given). You should also be working within a supervisory/management role with some responsibility for the upkeep of your company’s documentation.

Please understand that the Advanced Apprenticeship is only suitable for those who are prepared to work hard and organise themselves in order to meet agreed objectives (there is homework involved). This is a demanding qualification but it will prove invaluable if you want a progressive career within the meat/food industry.

You and your business need skilled, motivated, efficient and reliable staff. The Apprenticeship Scheme helps you to achieve this.

With practical training training by you, we support you and your learner with regular visits and tutorials at a convenient time. You and your learner decide the most suitable units, we supply the underpinning knowledge via a portfolio, DVDs and workbooks.

Download our Employers Fact Sheet too see how Apprenticeships can work for your business.

Aren’t Apprenticeships for young people?

No, they are for any age. The Government now supplies funding for anyone up to the age of 65 (if they do not have a degree) to do a Level 2 and 3. All staff are eligible.

How is the training delivered?

At the workplace. We compile a Training Plan with you and your candidate. We provide the portfolio with training DVDs and workbooks. Your assessor visits regularly on a day convenient to you, and we offer tutorials.

How do staff get qualified?

By completing practical assessments and the theory side of butchery via workbooks and verbal questions. All these contributes to credits towards gaining a Level 2 Certification for Proficiency in Meat and Poultry Industry Skills.

Will they have to attend College?

Yes, but only during the Advanced Apprenticeship. There is a residential 4 times a year at Ipswich; Monday to Wednesday.

The Advanced Apprenticeship

The Advanced Apprenticeship is ideal for someone you are developing as a supervisor or manager. Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Fish and Shellfish, HACCP Level 2 and Key/Functional Skills Level 2.

What will it cost?

The Apprenticeships are funded by the Skills Funding Agency, which is a Government run agency. We do require a deposit, which is fully refunded on completion of the course. Learners who are 19+ will be required to pay a contribution towards registration and certification.