Master Butchers Co-op launches innovative SA apprentice incentive

08 April 2021

The Master Butchers Co-operative (MBL) will this month launch the MBL Apprentice Incentive Scheme to help their members bring new apprentices into the industry.

MBL will cover set-up costs of up to $930, after subsidies, of any member’s new apprentice training in Certificate Ⅲ in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at TAFE SA, for students eligible for subsidised training. They will also cover the member for the apprentice wage on the days they are required to be training at TAFE Regency Park for the entire apprenticeship.

MBL CEO Jamie Higgins said the objective of the initiative is exposing all apprentices to the broad spectrum of skills required across the butchery discipline.

“It’s all about ensuring longevity in our industry and that new students are exposed to the full range of skills and services that butchers can learn and provide in Australia,” he said. “We are trying to bring butchers through because if we run out of butchers, we run out of co-operative members. We are focused on ensuring that the South Australian meat processing industry’s future is bright.”

Melina Morrison, CEO of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals, said that the incentive was a good example of what the co-operative structure could do.

“As one of South Australia’s oldest cooperatives, MBL is supporting a sustainable industry for local butchers and meat processing in South Australia. MBL was here for the industry in 1905 when it formed and the co-op is still here,” she said. “When producers and service providers work together in one co-operative, it enables agility and innovation. A co-operative is seen as the best business structure to overcome adversity and make positive change and growth in production.”

To apply, members of the MBL Co-operative should email ApprenticeButcher@mblsa.com.au or call MEGT on 8424 3200 or Mas Experience on 1300 627 628.