Butcher Courses
Butchers prepare and sell meat, manage stock, and handle customer orders, requiring technical skills and attention to detail.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Butcher
Get qualified to work as a Butcher with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
AMP30815
Duration
12 months - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
The AMP30815 Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) is the trade qualification for retail butchers and their apprentices. Over 2.5 years of hands-on training you will gain both practical skills and industry knowledge, then graduate as a fully qualified butcher. The course covers: using knives and cutting tools, trimming and cutting different types of meat and poultry, personal safety, selling meat to customers, cleaning and sanitation.
Enquire now for available training centres and your eligi...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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AMPSS00018
Duration
4 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Distance, Online
The AMPSS00018 Game Harvester Skill Set provides training in shooting and harvesting wild game animals. It includes understanding the wild game meat industry, humane firearm use for harvesting, and safe operation of game harvesting vehicles. This skill set focuses on the techniques and knowledge required for harvesting wild game animals effectively and responsibly.
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Career opportunities
Duration
4 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Distance, Online
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AMP50221
The AMP50221 Diploma of Meat Processing qualification reflects the role of individuals applying knowledge, practical skills, and experience in team leadership or management within the meat industry. Participants will develop skills to design and redevelop work systems, preparing them for senior management roles. They will analyse the cause and effect of changes, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business operations, people and culture, and financial state, as well as the impact of changes on interc...
Career opportunities
AMP30116
Duration
6 months - 4 years
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
The AMP30116 Certificate III in Meat Processing (Boning Room) covers work activities in boning rooms or meat wholesale enterprises, preparing meat cuts from whole carcases. Graduates will have cognitive, technical, and communication skills to perform routine tasks and solve predictable and unpredictable problems. They will apply knowledge and skills with autonomy and judgement, taking limited responsibility in stable contexts within established parameters.
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Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 4 years
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Butcher.
Common questions
How much does a Butcher earn?
In Australia, a full time Butcher generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Butcher?
This industry has seen stable employment numbers in recent years. There are currently 17,300 people employed as a Butcher in Australia, and the same number were employed in this industry five years ago. Butchers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Butcher?
If you’re interested in a career as a Butcher, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher). This course covers a range of topics including using knives and cutting tools and trimming and cutting different types of meat and poultry. You’ll also learn about personal safety, selling meat to customers and cleaning and sanitation.
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More information
A Butcher produces meat to sell in a butchery, supermarket or other specialty store. You might cut meat to size, prepare marinades, crumbs and other seasonings or remove fat and bones. Butchers might prepare special orders for customers or prepare other meat-based products for sale. Butchers liaise with customers and suppliers and ensure stock is available when required.
Butchers should have strong technical skills and be able to work as part of a team. You’ll need to have good attention to detail and should be able to manage your time well. Butchers require good customer service skills and should be excellent communicators. It’s important that you are organised and can prioritise your tasks.
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