What is included
in the Meatcutter
Apprenticeship Program?
Est. in 1946, our nationally recognized program teaches a diverse student population how to become experts in the meatcutting trade.
Our innovative and comprehensive program focuses on instructing students to exceed levels of industry competency through a rigorous and challenging curriculum. Students learn how to work more efficiently both independently and in teams. They explore their employers’ policies, procedures and expectations while learning how to maximize productivity, profitability, craftsmanship, and customer service.
If you have questions about the program, please email
meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org
2-year program with an official WA state certification which is honored in all 50 states.
At the time of graduation, apprentices will receive a Certificate of Completion, college credits from South Seattle College for course completion, and an engraved knife with the graduation year.
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Cooking beef, pork, and lamb
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USDA grading and inspection processes
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History of American meat cutting industry
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Breaking primal units from carcasses
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Cutting veal, beef, pork and lamb
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Poultry, beef, pork and lamb slaughter, raising, and merchandising
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Knife care, purchasing, sharpening and usage
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Basic computer and research skills
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Food safety and proper handling
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Seafood merchandising
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Sanitation and clean-up
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Meat identification, law & policies
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Craftsmanship & salesmanship
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Safety in the workplace.
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Professional conduct & dressing for success
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Working relationships
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First Aid & CPR certification.
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Field trips to local processing plants
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Calculating gross profit and primal yield
Tuition is Fully Covered!
How to Enroll
In order to enroll you must be first hired as an Apprentice Meatcutter at a UFCW 3000 grocery employer.
Steps to complete the enrollment process:
1) Schedule and attend your interview online or in-person
2) Send a copy of your government-issued ID to meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org
After your interview, you will be sent a detailed email with all of the next steps below:
3) Complete all online signature—yours and your meat manager's
4) Download the WorkHands app and set-up your account
5) For King and Snohomoish Counties only: Complete the online enrollment for South Seattle
For more specific details about steps after the interview process, please refer to the FAQ section.
Options to Schedule Your Interview
Online | Anytime
In Person | King County
Third Wed. of every month, 6 p.m.
South Seattle College, Georgetown Campus
6737 Corson Ave. S Seattle, WA 98108
(Meat Cutting Lab Room)
In Person | Spokane County
9–5 p.m. (holidays may affect these hours)
UFCW Local 3000
2805 N. Market St.
Spokane, WA 99207
Meatcutter
Wages & Benefits
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Three-year progression to earn Journeyperson Meatcutter pay rate of $29.70 hourly for King & Snohomish County, $25.32 hourly for Spokane County.
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Health and welfare–medical plan
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Pension plan–employer funded
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Paid sick leave
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Paid vacations
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Five paid holidays after six months, six per year
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Three paid personal days
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Worked holiday premium pay–time and a half
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Guaranteed full time work–up to 40 hours
