Understand
Cornwall academy launches to address shortage of young butchers
Overview
A new butchery academy has been established at Duchy College's Stoke Climsland campus in Cornwall to tackle skill shortages and an aging workforce in the industry. Developed alongside local employers such as Dunbia, Kepak, and Philip Warren & Son, the academy offers apprenticeships combining practical training with food production knowledge. Industry figures note that recruitment has been difficult and that many existing butchers are approaching retirement, making the new training pathway essential for safeguarding the trade.
Key points
- A new butchery academy has opened at Duchy College's Stoke Climsland campus to combat the shortage of skilled young butchers.
- The academy offers apprenticeships developed in partnership with local employers, including Dunbia, Kepak, Philip Warren & Son, Etheringtons, and Kittows.
- Training combines practical butchery skills with knowledge of food production and the farm-to-fork journey.
- College officials report that the majority of current butchers plan to retire within the next five to ten years, highlighting a pressing need for succession planning.
- The first cohort of 16 apprentices began their training in October.