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Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers – Retail and Wholesale  (NOC 6251)
Lethbridge--Medicine Hat Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers, retail and wholesale, prepare standard cuts of meat, poultry, fish and shellfish for sale in retail or wholesale food establishments. They are employed in supermarkets, grocery stores, butcher shops and fish stores or may be self-employed. Butchers who are supervisors or heads of departments are included in this group.

butcher apprentice, butcher, retail, fishmonger – retail, head butcher – wholesale, meat cutter – retail or wholesale, supermarket meat cutter.

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Butchers, meat cutters and fishmongers in this unit group perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Cut, trim, and otherwise prepare standard cuts of meat, poultry, fish and shellfish for sale at self-serve counters or according to customers' orders
  • Grind meats and slice cooked meats using powered grinders and slicing machines
  • Prepare special displays of meat, poultry, fish and shellfish
  • Shape, lace and tie roasts and other meats, poultry or fish and may wrap prepared meats, poultry, fish and shellfish
  • Manage inventory, keep records of sales and determine amount, product line and freshness of products according to company and customer requirements
  • Ensure food storage conditions are adequate
  • May supervise other butchers, or meat cutters or fishmongers.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Bassano, Bow Island, Brooks, Cardston, Claresholm, Coaldale, Coalhurst, Fort Macleod, Magrath, Nanton, Picture Butte, Pincher Creek, Raymond, Redcliff, Taber

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Butchers, Meat Cutters and Fishmongers – Retail and Wholesale in Lethbridge--Medicine Hat Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Local Employment Requirements

- Most employers prefer grade 12 graduation and meat cutting training.
- Previous retail experience is preferred; however, willingness to learn and ability to provide excellent customer service are crucial.
- Previous safety and employment standards training considered a strong asset (e.g. First Aide and C.P.R., food handling and safety, WHMIS.)
- Previous experience cutting meat and handling meat cutting knives is highly valued.

[Report Publication Date: 2011-05-16 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Local Skills Requirements

- Ability to complete in-house meat cutting training program if necessary.
- Willingness to regularly update knowledge base and skills.
- Willingness to follow strict company rules regarding food handling and safety as well as sanitizing and regularly cleaning procedures.
- Excellent interpersonal skills when dealing with customers, staff and management.
- Ability to work as a team player and have a team approach.
- Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task.
- Team based thinking and decision making when dealing with issues and problems.

[Report Publication Date: 2011-05-16 |  Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Skills Requirements

There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.

Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:

Experience:
0-2 years

Specific Skills:
Cut, trim and prepare standard cuts of meat. Remove bones from meat. Cut carcasses, sides and quarters. Grind meats.

Additional Skills:
Wrap and package prepared meats. Clean meats to prepare for processing or cutting. Weigh meats for sale. Sell meats to customers.

Essential Skills:
Oral communication, working with others and reading text.

[Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

List of Associations

AssociationsLink opens in a new window are organizations that may provide news to its members about networking events, professional development and other common issues for people working in the same industry.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

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[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]

Local Training

Please follow the EdInfo link below to find training opportunities in Alberta related to this occupation.

[ Report Publication Date: 2011-05-16 | Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Getting your language skills assessed

If you do not know what your English or French language level is, visit one of the Language Assessment Centres across Canada. They will assess your language level and direct you to the appropriate language training program.

[ Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada ]
Please consult the Alberta and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.