13 September 2017
Competenz apprentice Tom Evans was in the spotlight when MP Louise Upston visited Village Quality Meats in Kandallah, Wellington, during Got a Trade Week in August.
He showed Ms Upston how to slice steaks, measure mince and store meat in the chiller and shared insight into his apprenticeship experience.
Ms Upston, the Associate Minister of Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, tried out a range of different trades as part of the Got a Trade? Got it Made! national campaign that celebrates on-the-job training in New Zealand’s trades and services.
Tom is currently working towards a National Certificate in Retail Meat Butchery Level 4, which takes three to four years.
“I knew that university wasn’t for me, I wanted to do something more hands-on,” Tom says.
He started his training at a butchery in Palmerston North before transferring to the butchery in Kandallah. He’s already confident breaking down lamb and producing chops, sausages and other products.
Village Quality Meats owner Ian Skachill has employed a number of apprentices in the 17 years he has run the business. So what does he look for in an apprentice?
“Butchery is not a job that everyone wants to do. I look for someone who’s keen and wants to learn new skills.”
Photo: (From left) MP Louise Upston, Village Quality Meats owner Ian Skachill and apprentice Tom Evans.
