Starting a New Career
Earn, Learn and Get Qualified
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 to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).
Some frequently asked questions:
How much will I earn?
How do I learn?
How do I get qualified?
Will I get help if I need it?
Will I have to go to College?
What qualifications will I get?
How long does it take?
What are the qualifications worth?
I am over 19 years old and only want an NVQ
Can I get more qualifications?
How much will I earn?
That depends on the area of the country you live in. It will be at least minimum wage and usually a lot more. The quicker you learn the quicker your wage will increase.
Go to top
How do I learn?
A training plan is drawn up with your employer and a MEAT assessor.
Go to top
How do I get qualified?
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. Then, there are 8 examinations of 20 questions, which test your knowledge and understanding.
Go to top
Will I get help if I need it?
Yes, and support via our regular tutorials over the telephone, e-mail or messaging other learners via our website, and of course your employer as well as your assessor.
Go to top
Will I have to go to College?
No, 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.
Go to top
What qualifications will I get?
An NVQ Level II in Meat & Poultry Processing, Technical Certificate and Key Skills certificates in Literacy and Numeracy. Once you have completed all mentioned you will be presented with a Modern Apprenticeship Certificate.
Go to top
How long does it take?
A lot depends on you - how quickly you learn. Usually 12 to 18 months but it could be completed quicker.
Go to top
What are the qualifications worth?
Equivalent to 5 GCSEs grades A-C.
Go to top
I am over 19 years old and only want an NVQ.
That is fine. You can do an NVQ Level II and Level III via Train to Gain.
Go to top
Can I get more qualifications?
Yes. You can progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship - NVQ Level III, Advanced Certificate in Management, HACCP Level II and Keyskills Level II in Literacy and Numeracy equivalent to A Levels, and you will need to attend Ipswich four times a year for three days.
Go to top