Meat Production Trainee

Position Overview

The Meat Production Trainee will assist with the preparation, processing, packing and handling of meat products while developing practical skills and knowledge within the meat industry.

The trainee will work under the direction of experienced production staff and supervisors and will be trained in safe work practices, food safety, meat preparation, production procedures, quality control and workplace hygiene.

The role is suited to someone who is reliable, willing to learn, physically capable and interested in building a career in the meat industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation and processing of beef, lamb, pork, poultry and other meat products.

• Learn and follow correct cutting, trimming, portioning and packing procedures.

• Operate production equipment and machinery safely after appropriate training.

• Weigh, label and package products according to company requirements.

• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and food safety.

• Clean and sanitise work areas, equipment, tools and production facilities.

• Follow all workplace health and safety procedures.

• Follow production schedules and instructions from supervisors.

• Assist with stock handling, storage and rotation.

• Check products for quality, presentation and correct specifications.

• Minimise product waste and use materials efficiently.

• Maintain a clean, organised and safe work environment.

• Assist other members of the production team when required.

• Attend training and complete required traineeship or industry-related learning.

• Report damaged equipment, safety hazards, quality issues or other concerns to a supervisor.

• Carry out other reasonable duties as directed by management.

Training and Development

The trainee will receive on-the-job training in areas including:

• Meat preparation and processing

• Knife handling and safe cutting techniques

• Trimming and portion control

• Meat identification and specifications

• Weighing, packing and labelling

• Food safety and hygiene

• Cold-chain requirements

• Workplace health and safety

• Equipment operation and maintenance

• Stock rotation and storage

• Quality control

• Waste reduction and production efficiency

Skills and Personal Attributes

The successful applicant should demonstrate:

• A strong willingness to learn.

• Reliability and punctuality.

• Good communication skills.

• Ability to follow instructions.

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Attention to detail.

• Commitment to food safety and workplace hygiene.

• Ability to work in a cold and fast-paced production environment.

• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and safely perform manual handling tasks.

• A willingness to develop practical meat-processing skills.

Workplace Health & Safety

The Meat Production Trainee is required to:

• Follow all workplace health and safety policies and procedures.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as instructed.

• Follow safe knife-handling procedures.

• Follow correct manual-handling techniques.

• Use machinery and equipment only when trained and authorised.

• Immediately report hazards, injuries, incidents and unsafe practices.

• Maintain a clean and safe workstation.

Food Safety & Hygiene

The trainee must maintain a high standard of food safety by:

• Following all food safety procedures and company policies.

• Maintaining appropriate personal hygiene.

• Wearing required protective clothing and PPE.

• Preventing cross-contamination.

• Following correct product handling and storage procedures.

• Maintaining required temperatures and cold-chain procedures.

• Cleaning and sanitising equipment and work areas correctly.

Physical Requirements

This position may involve:

• Standing for long periods.

• Repetitive movements.

• Lifting and moving meat products and cartons.

• Working in refrigerated or chilled environments.

• Handling knives and production equipment.

• Performing physically demanding production tasks.

Performance Expectations

The trainee is expected to:

1. Attend work reliably and punctually.

2. Follow instructions from supervisors and managers.

3. Maintain a positive and respectful attitude.

4. Work safely at all times.

5. Maintain food safety and hygiene standards.

6. Work efficiently while maintaining product quality.

7. Keep their work area clean and organised.

8. Demonstrate ongoing improvement and willingness to learn.

9. Work cooperatively with other employees.

10. Take responsibility for their training and development.

Key Performance Indicators

Performance may be assessed against:

• Attendance and punctuality.

• Workplace safety.

• Food safety and hygiene.

• Product quality.

• Production efficiency.

• Ability to follow instructions.

• Skill development and competency progression.

• Teamwork and communication.

• Care of equipment and workplace.

• Reduction of product waste.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Genuine interest in the meat industry.

• Willingness to undertake training.

• Ability to follow workplace procedures.

• Reliable and responsible approach to work.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a butcher shop, food production or manufacturing environment.

• Food Safety training.

• Previous experience working in a chilled environment.

• Current driver's licence, where required for the position.

Reporting Structure

The Meat Production Trainee reports directly to the Production Manager / Production Supervisor and is expected to follow reasonable directions given by management and authorised supervisors.