Pilgrim’s new butchery academy aims to tackle staff shortage

Major meat processor Pilgrim’s has launched its own butchery academy to attract new entrants into the meat industry and help address a shortage of skilled workers in the sector.

Pilgrim’s has now taken on its first cohort of paid trainees at its Westerleigh site near Bristol, teaching specialist craft butchery skills and working towards qualifications.

The processor says the sector is facing a “skilled butcher shortage” and it hopes the new initiative will help attract and train aspiring butchers at a “critical time” for the sector.

See also: Global demand for meat set to grow as production rises

Abattoir numbers have been dwindling for some time, with figures from the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) showing a fall from roughly 2,500 sites in the 1970s to just 203 in 2024.

The programme will include a mixture of hands-on training and classroom-based learning, covering technical skills along with health, safety and food hygiene knowledge.

Kirsty Wilkins, chief people officer at Pilgrim’s Europe, said: “Building a skilled and sustainable workforce means creating clear entry routes, strong development pathways and long-term career opportunities.

“The butchery academy plays an important role in attracting new talent into the business, supporting progression and ensuring we continue to invest in the skills our people need to grow and succeed.”

Butcher qualification

Trainee butchers will be able to qualify as a Grade 2 butcher after 12 weeks on the scheme.

Ed Hillier, site director at Westerleigh for Pilgrim’s Europe, said: “Just as access to a local abattoir is a major priority for farmers, investment in our people and butchery skills is critical to the continued viability of both our Westerleigh site and Pilgrim’s farm-to-fork quality British pork model.”