To become a meatcutter, a profession that is always in demand, one can take a number of steps, as there are several ways to enter this field. Taking courses or earning a degree or certificate in meatcutting is one option. Gaining on-the-job experience through a paid position or apprenticeship is another way to become a meatcutter.
Although no specific college degree is required for this job, and the majority of the training is done on the job, having a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate can increase one’s chances of finding work as a meatcutter. Foods and nutrition, home economics, animal anatomy, agricultural science, communications, and computer science are just a few of the academic fields that can help people interested in meatcutting. General business and record-keeping courses are also beneficial in this field. Although it is not required to become a meatcutter, some meatcutters take meat preparation and fabrication courses in culinary schools, which can help them learn how to distinguish between usable and non-usable parts of meat and how to prepare them.
Earning an associate’s degree is another educational option that may be beneficial to the aspiring meatcutter. Community colleges and vocational and technical programs such as meatcutting and meat processing offer associate’s or two-year degrees and programs. Although it is not required, education in this area will increase the chances of someone interested in this career being interviewed and hired, as well as expand his or her overall career opportunities. People will take courses in food safety, sanitation, meat processing equipment, and carcass evaluation as part of a two-year degree program. The degrees that people can earn will have different names depending on where they live, what country or region they live in, and what school they attend.
Some people choose to earn a certificate in meatcutting to gain knowledge and experience. People can earn certificates in meatcutting or meat merchandising from some community organizations, high schools, and colleges. People gain practical experience through these programs. They are taught a variety of techniques for processing various types of meat.
Working in a grocery store’s meat department, a butcher’s shop, or a meat processing plant is one of the most important things people can do to become a meatcutter. Most meatcutters gain the skills they need to be successful in their profession through hands-on experience. After completing an apprenticeship or approximately two years of on-the-job training, a person can become a meatcutter and be highly skilled in this profession. The meatcutter will learn techniques such as removing fat from meat, trimming, and bone removal, as well as how to handle a carcass, during on-the-job training. Meatcutters receive training in food safety, food-borne pathogens, meat cleaning and preservation, inventory control, customer service, and business operations while on the job or in an apprenticeship.