The retail and wholesale meat industry in Scotland has an added benefit with the modern apprentice programmes returning after lockdown.
Apprentice assessments came to a standstill across the country as travel to visit plants and shops became impossible for anyone who did not have 'key worker' status.
Craft Skills Scotland are the largest provider of 'meat and poultry skills,' modern apprenticeships in Scotland.
Previously known as Scottish Meat Training, the training company of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association has been delivering specialist qualifications for over 35 years.
The team of fully qualified assessors and verifiers deliver the qualifications in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
SFMTA executive manager, Gordon King said: “The whole assessment strategy has had to be reviewed to consider the new requirements for social distancing and use of PPE. Our whole team have had training on the new procedures and are now contacting their apprentices to arrange assessment appointments.
“The assessments can now take place remotely via video link and video call. All our apprentices have access to our online database, where evidence can be uploaded and reviewed.
“It is a new way of working for all of us, however, we have adapted to the rapidly changing situation to try to ensure that the apprentices themselves do not miss out on the chance to progress in their career path.
“With Brexit looming and significant number of our industry workforce due to retire it is more important for young people to consider the meat industry as a career path. There may be an opportunity to offer jobs and reskilling to individuals who may have been made redundant from the service sector, meaning that the chance to complete an industry recognised specialist qualification is more important than ever.
"We look forward to working with new and existing apprentices and employers."
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
