New education programme to develop skills in meat supply chain

The comprehensive programme was developed after AHDB Beef Lamb identified a lack of accessible training for professionals working across the meat industry.

The online and free-to-use educational resource is aimed at anyone working in the meat industry - from butchers, through to buyers, processors and marketing staff – who wish to enhance their knowledge of meat products and boost their abilities to add value to the supply chain.

Both practical and theoretical meat skills and knowledge are taught and tested, through modules covering topics like understanding beef and lamb breeds and understanding different beef and lamb cuts, through to cooking methods and telephone sales skills.

Assessment and certification are available online for the theory modules, as well as downloadable learning materials. The three practical beef and lamb modules will be assessed at the learner’s place of work by experienced butchery professionals.

Dick van Leeuwen, business development manager for AHDB Beef Lamb and project leader of the Meat Education Programme, said: “It gives me great pleasure to launch the Meat Education Programme – an extensive and wide-reaching resource developed to add genuine value to the meat and livestock industry. We know that it will prove to be a hugely beneficial tool for the whole supply chain – from butchers to chefs, traders and even the press – operating within the meat industry, boosting knowledge and skills.

“Not only will the Meat Education Programme enhance industry knowledge but it will also make it more appealing to newcomers by providing easy access to training and development, with demonstrable accreditation.”

To register to start using the Meat Education Programme, or for further information, visit www.qsmbeefandlamb.co.uk/mep