National Food & Drink Training (NFDT), the training arm of Scottish Bakers, has launched a new SCQF Level 5 qualification in Meat & Poultry Processing.
NFDT said that the new qualification would deliver fully funded, work-based training designed to upskill employees, enhance business performance and support long-term sector growth.
Delivered through the Modern Apprenticeship Pathway, the qualification is co-funded for employers by Scottish Government via Scottish Bakers and NFDT’s contract with Skills Development Scotland. It is reportedly tailored to “meet the specific needs of businesses” and offers hands-on training in key areas such as primal cutting, boning and trimming, food safety, health and safety compliance, waste reduction, customer service, visual merchandising, and the development of value-added meat and poultry products.
“This qualification has been designed to meet the real-world needs of Scotland’s meat and poultry industry.”
Scott Anderson, NFDT
Scott Anderson, training and development manager at NFDT, said: “This qualification has been designed to meet the real-world needs of Scotland’s meat and poultry industry. It offers a flexible, practical route for both new entrants and experienced employees to gain recognised skills while contributing directly to workplace performance. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and business improvement.”
In addition to technical training, learners will complete core skills in communication, information and communication technology, numeracy, problem solving, and working with others, which NFDT said would help employers build a capable, confident workforce “equipped to adapt and thrive”.
Training will be delivered entirely on-site by NFDT’s training advisors through a blended learning approach, with regular visits scheduled to provide support, deliver coaching, and monitor progress via an Individual Training Plan.
Assessment will be carried out through a series of theoretical and practical tasks and projects, aligned with National Occupational Standards set by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD), the Sector Skills Council.
Anderson added: “NFDT is proud to support the future of Scotland’s food and drink workforce. This new qualification reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality training that builds real capability. Whether you’re a small butcher or a large processor, it’s an opportunity to invest in your team and strengthen your business.”
NFDT said the launch of the SCQF Level 5 Meat & Poultry Processing qualification “underscores its mission to support skills development, workforce resilience, and sector sustainability” within the wider food and drink industry. The qualification also aims to help craft and manufacturing businesses across Scotland increase productivity and retain and recruit skilled staff.
