Meatcutter

Meatcutters care deeply about the food we eat. They not only prepare the various cuts of meat with great precision, but also teach us about animal products, contributing to healthy lifestyles. 

As a Meatcutter, you’ll continue one of the world’s oldest trades as you prepare and handle various animal products.  

You’ll be an expert in safety and hygiene, as well as an inventive and creative artisan. You’ll also be on your feet working behind the scenes in a refrigerated room or behind a retail counter sharing your expert knowledge and filling orders.  

What You'll Learn

  • How to cut, trim and prepare standard cuts of meat 
  • How to grind meats and slice cooked meats 
  • How to cure, smoke, tenderize and preserve meat 
  • How to order and manage inventory  
  • How to inspect, handle, prepare and store meat safely 

Key Job Skills

  • Safety and sanitation standards 
  • Inventory and cost controls 
  • Meat science and nutrition 
  • Inspecting, grading, handling and storage 
  • Cutting procedures for beef, veal, pork, lamb, poultry, fish and game 

Technical Training

To get certified, you will need to sign up for technical training at an approved training provider in addition to on-the-job training. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC for a comprehensive list of what programs are available in your trade at public and non-public schools. 

Technical Training 8 weeks over 2 years
Work-Based Training
4500 HOURS
Salary Range Hourly
$16.75 — $26.65
General Skills
Creative Expressive Precise Visual

Program Updates

August 2020: Changes to the Program Outline and Assessment Guidelines

A VALID FOODSAFE Level 1 Certification or equivalent is a pre-requisite to challenge this certification.

Program Information

Exam Information

And Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below.

Information:

Information:

Challenge the

Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

OR

If you sponsor apprentices but have never been certified in Canada, you may request to supervise and sign-off apprentices when they are ready to be certified. Please refer to the application form on whether this trade qualifies.