What is included
in the Meatcutter
Pre-Apprenticeship Program?

The application period for the current Meatcutter
Pre-Apprenticeship Program is now CLOSED. Admissions are competitive and not every applicant will be accepted.

If you have questions, email our Program Director, Megan Williams at mwilliams@wetrainwa.org

Admission is FREE
Open for anyone 18 years of age or older to apply
Instruction provided by professional Meatcutters
Preparation for the Meatcutter Apprenticeship Program
Access to & preparation for meat department jobs

7 E-learning modules done on your own time
4 In-person classes
Learn about food, personal safety, retail meat cuts and more...

Interested in Enrolling?

Join Waitlist

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

Apprenticeship Program Standards

Apprenticeship Program Standards adopted by Washington State Meatcutters and Fishmongers Apprenticeship Committee.

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.

Cooking beef, pork, and lamb
USDA grading and inspection processes
History of American meat cutting industry
Breaking primal units from carcasses
Cutting veal, beef, pork and lamb
Poultry, beef, pork and lamb slaughter, raising, and merchandising
Knife care, purchasing, sharpening and usage
Basic computer and research skills
Food safety and proper handling
Seafood merchandising
Sanitation and clean-up
Meat identification, law & policies
Craftsmanship & salesmanship
Safety in the workplace.
Pro fessional conduct & dressing for success
Working relationships
First Aid & CPR certification.
Field trips to local processing plants
Calculating gross profit and primal yield

Tuition is Fully Covered!

What is included
in the Fishmonger
Apprenticeship Program?

This pilot program, which launched in April 2024, supports skill development and career pathways for the current UFCW 3000 Union Fishmongers. Our very first employer partner, Town & Country Markets, is helping to pave the way for future partnerships with union grocers across the industry.

If you have questions email our Program Director, Megan Williams at mwilliams@wetrainwa.org

Apprenticeship Program Standards

Apprenticeship Program Standards adopted by Washington State Meatcutters and Fishmongers Apprenticeship Committee.

This Apprenticeship is registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and has two components:

Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI):
144 hours of class time.
On-the-job training (OJT):
2000 hours to be completed within a year.

Safety: Food handling and workplace
Seafood industry overview
Product and species knowledge
Seasonality, sustainability, and catch methods
Fish & seafood processing: Cutting, filleting, shucking, peeling and cracking
Cooking and recipes
Interpersonal skills: Customer service and workplace communication
Department management: Teamwork, operations, ordering & inventory, merchandising
Market math: Pricing and spoilage

Graduate Testimonials

What is included
in the Community Pathways to Grocery Careers Program?

The application period for the current Community Pathways to Grocery Careers Program is CLOSED.

If you have questions, contact:

WeTrain Washington – Vanessa Gardner, vgardner@wetrainwa.org, (904) 708-8708
Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) – Getu Hunde, getuh@acrs.org
Partner in Employment (PIE) – Elhama Weazzada, elhama@partnerinemployment.org
Project Feast – Danny Palmer, hello@projectfeast.org
International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Ryan Smith, ryan.smith@rescue.org
Jewish Family Service - Peter Kalule, pkalule@jfsseattle.org
Refugee Women's Alliance - JD Boucher, jd.boucher@rewa.org

Expert instruction from an experienced ELL workforce development trainer
40 hours of in-person training (20 hours per week for two weeks)
$300 stipend upon completion of the program.
Food handler’s permit
Support from Community Based Orgs (CBO's)

Best practices in customer service
Food and workplace safety
Grocery store jobs and career pathways
Union contract benefits
Interview skills & resume workshop
Grocery store departments and products
Grocery store field trip
Job placement support with multiple grocery store employers with current openings
Participation in an info session is optional and not required to apply to the program

Interested in Enrolling?

Join Waitlist

The application period for the current Community Pathways to Grocery Careers Program is CLOSED.

If you have questions, contact:

WeTrain Washington – Vanessa Gardner, vgardner@wetrainwa.org, (904) 708-8708
Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) – Getu Hunde, getuh@acrs.org
Partner in Employment (PIE) – Elhama Weazzada, elhama@partnerinemployment.org
Project Feast – Danny Palmer, hello@projectfeast.org
International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Ryan Smith, ryan.smith@rescue.org
Jewish Family Service - Peter Kalule, pkalule@jfsseattle.org
Refugee Women's Alliance - JD Boucher, jd.boucher@rewa.org

Georgetown Campus Schedule

Tues. June 24

In-Person Orientation Class 6-8 p.m.

Resume Submission Assigned

Thurs. June 26

Meatcutter Overview Quiz Due

Tues. July 1

Complete Personal Safety Module

Personal Safety Quiz Due

Thurs. July 3

Complete Food Safety Module

Food Safety Quiz Due

Resume Submission Due

Tues. July 8

In-Person Interview and Resume Workshop and Safety Class 6-8 p.m.

Homework #1 Assigned

Thurs. July 10

Complete Primal and Retail Cuts Module

Primal and Retail Cuts Quiz Due

Tues. July 15

Complete Seafood Module

Seafood Quiz Due

Thurs. July 17

Complete Customer Service Module

Customer Service Quiz Due

Tues. July 22

In-Person Knife Skills Class

Homework #2 Assigned

Thurs. July 24

Complete Cooking Module

Cooking Quiz Due

Tues. July 29

In-Person Review Class and Potluck

Homework #2 Due

Thurs. July 31

Online Final Exam and Evaluation

Weds. August 6

Graduation and Job Placement Support

6-8 p.m. at South Seattle College Georgetown Campus

In-Person and Required

Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center Campus Schedule

Wed. June 25

In-Person Orientation Class
6–8 p.m.

Resume Submission Assigned

Fri. June 27

Meatcutter Overview Quiz Due

Wed. July 2

Complete Personal Safety Module

Personal Safety Quiz Due

Mon. July 7

Complete Food Safety Module

Food Safety Quiz Due

Wed. July 9

In-Person Interview Resume Workshop and Safety Class 6-8 p.m.

Homework #1 Assigned

Fri. July 11

Complete Primal and Retail Cuts Module

Primal and Retail Cuts Quiz Due

Wed. July 16

Complete Seafood Module

Seafood Quiz Due

Fri. July 18

Complete Customer Service Module

Customer Service Quiz Due

Wed. July 23

In-Person Knife Skills Class

Homework #2 Assigned

Fri. July 25

Complete Cooking Module

Cooking Quiz Due

Wed. July 30

In-Person Review Class and Potluck

Homework #2 Due

Fri. Aug 1

Online Final Exam and Evaluation

Wed. Aug 6

Graduation and Job Placement Support 6-8 p.m. at South Seattle College Georgetown Campus

In-Person and Required

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“As a program, A+. It was outstanding, you can't get any higher than that!"

Dedric V., QFC

Already Enrolled?

Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions:

Q: I just enrolled and finished the application process, what’s next? Show up for your first day of class! If you aren’t sure when you first day of class is, please email meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org.

Q: What do I need to start classes? It is recommended to arrive with a notebook and a pen/pencil. Show up on time and ready to learn. You will also receive a Beef textbook in the mail after you enroll. Your instructor will determine what you will need to bring your book to class and any other materials you may need.

Q: I’m having issues with WorkHands. How do I get help? WorkHands Information Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD6I1MonLLQ Forgot password: On the log-in page, click the forgot password link under the sign-in screen. You will be sent an email with the next steps. Any other questions, please contact meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org.

Q: How do I get my journeyman card? After you graduate, you will receive your journeyman card and certificate of completion from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries in mail. This may take up to 3 months to receive.

For King and Snohomish County apprentices only:

Q: How do I register for classes at South Seattle College? You will receive an email from meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org with all the information you need to register for classes. This will include your student ID, class number, and a step-by-step guide to enroll. You will not receive this email until after the quarter begins.

Q: When do I receive my First Aid and CPR training? For King and Snohomish County Apprentices, you will receive First Aid and CPR training during the Spring quarter of their second year. Apprentices will receive a copy of their First Aid and CPR training card via email after its completion.

Q: What do I need to know about the King County Meatcutter license? Once you complete your apprenticeship and receive your certificate from South Seattle College, you will be eligible to take the Meatcutter exam. You must pass the Meatcutter exam to get an occupational Meatcutter license. It is required that all Meatcutters working in King County, hold a Meatcutter License.

More information and how to schedule your exam is found HERE.

With experience and training grocery workers can climb up the career ladder.

By ascending from entry-level jobs to lifelong professions, grocery work can be a bridge to mobility and financial security. How does that happen? Workforce training, that's where WeTrain comes in. We're delivering training programs to give people the skills they need to become the butchers and fishmongers of the future. Join us today.