The York Butchers Gild has named Nathan Redford, a Leeds City College student, as Apprentice Butcher of the Year 2016.
Nathan Redford from Goole has completed his Level 2 Proficiency in Meat & Poultry Processing and is currently taking his Level 3 qualification at Leeds City College.
Redford was chosen by the Gild out of three prospective students from the college due to his impressive perception of the industry and his ambitions for the future.
Entries for the award consists of three components: a personal statement, a formal interview and a portfolio submitted.
According to the Gild, Redford stood out to the panel, outlining and demonstrating his own progression routes.
Education and training advisor of the Gild, Dave Clapham, said it was a unanimous decision to choose Nathan: “He displayed excellent technical knowledge and it was clear that he had put a lot of research and time into his statement. Nathan does not have a background in the meat industry but he has more than proved himself with his passion and eagerness to learn.”
Redford has many plans for his future in the meat industry. He said: “I would like to have my own shop one day and have ambitions to be in the Q Guild. I would like to be recognised as an industry leader where I can influence and inspire new generations coming into the industry.”
This is the second year that the Gild has run an award such as this and all colleges and training organisations that had apprentices employed in the Yorkshire area were able to submit students.
Last year, another Leeds City College student won the award. A butchery lecturer at the college, James Richardson, is hopeful that they can continue this success.
Richardson said: “Nathan is a great example of a mature student who has shown immense personal development. He is a popular member of the group and his knowledge of livestock is exceptional.”
Nathan Redford attended the award ceremony last week at the Merchant Taylor’s Hall in York and was presented with the accolade by David Lishman of Lishman’s of Ilkley, the Master of York Butchers Gild this year.
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.
