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Meatcutter Apprenticeship

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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.

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If you have questions about the program, please email meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org

Tuition is Fully Covered!

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.

  • Professional conduct & dressing for success 

  • Working relationships

  • First Aid & CPR certification.

  • Field trips to local processing plants

  • Calculating gross profit and primal yield

How to Enroll

In order to enroll you must be first hired as an Apprentice Meatcutter.

Steps to complete the enrollment process:
1) Schedule and attend your interview online or in-person
2) Send a copy of your ID to meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org

After your interview, you will be sent a detailed email with all of the next steps below:
3) Complete all online signature—yours and your meat manager's

4) Download the WorkHands app and set-up your account 
5) For King and Snohomoish Counties only: Complete the online enrollment for South Seattle

For more specific details about steps after the interview process, please refer to the FAQ section.

Options to Schedule Your Interview

Online | Anytime

In Person | King County
Third Wed. of every month, 6 p.m.

South Seattle College, ​Georgetown Campus

6737 Corson Ave. S Seattle, WA 98108

(Meat Cutting Lab Room)

In Person | Spokane County
9–5 p.m. (holidays may affect these hours)

UFCW Local 3000

2805 N. Market St.

Spokane, WA 99207

Meatcutter
Wages & Benefits

  • Three-year progression to earn Journeyperson Meatcutter pay rate of $28.70 hourly for King & Snohomish County, $25.32 hourly for Spokane County.

  • Health and welfare–medical plan

  • Pension plan–employer funded

  • Paid sick leave

  • Paid vacations

  • Five paid holidays after six months, six per year

  • Three paid personal days

  • Worked holiday premium pay–time and a half

  • Guaranteed full time work–up to 40 hours

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Already Enrolled?

  • Where does a fishmonger work?
    Great Question!
  • I’m having issues with WorkHands. How do I get help?
    WorkHands Information Video: https://youtu.be/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.
  • 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.
  • Who should I contact if I have any questions about the apprenticeship?
    Please email meatcutter_app@wetrainwa.org or call/text 206-422-1751
  • 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.
  • Why is it important to enroll in South Seattle College? (King & Snohomish County only)
    The Meatcutter Apprenticeship Program works with South Seattle College to administer the program. Through this partnership, you gain access to all services South Seattle College provides, and you gain college credit as you complete courses in the program. To receive these benefits, you need to become a student and complete the online application. It is important to complete this process prior to starting your first day of class. Throughout the program you will also be registering for classes each quarter in South Seattle College’s system.
  • When and where are the 1st year Apprenticeship classes?
    KING COUNTY Thursdays 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. South Seattle Community College Georgetown Campus 6737 Corson Avenue South Seattle WA 98108 (Building B) SNOHOMISH COUNTY Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Sno-Isle TECH Center 9001 Airport Rd, Everett, WA 98204  SPOKANE COUNTY Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Spokane Community College – Apprenticeship Center 2110 N Fancher Way Spokane, WA 99212
  • What do you mean by signatures via email in Adobe Sign? 
    After you have signed up the Meatcutter Apprenticeship program, you will receive a series of signature requests via email from WeTrain Washington utilizing Adobe Sign software. It is imperative that you work to get the signatures required as quickly as possible.  First Signature Request: You will sign on the designated lines of the Apprenticeship Application & Agreement paperwork that you reviewed with a Meatcutter Apprenticeship Committee Member.  Second Signature Request: You must bring the second signature request to your Meat Department Manager to sign as an official representative of your employer.  Once the second signature request is complete, the document will be sent for review & approval. If approved, you will automatically receive a copy of the signed document for your records.
  • What is WorkHands? How do I set up my WorkHands account?
    Workhands is an app specifically designed to help track the progress of your Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI), class time, and On-the-Job Training (OJT), work time, through your apprenticeship program. Once your account is completed, you will receive a link via text to login to your account and begin tracking your hours. After your account is set up, you will need to track your OJT hours weekly throughout your apprenticeship. You can learn more about how to use WorkHands: youtube.com/watch?v=PD6I1MonLLQ
  • How do I enroll at South Seattle College? (King & Snohomish County only)
    Please go to southseattle.edu, scroll down to the “Apply Now” icon, and complete the application.  Step-by-step instructions: drive.google.com/file/d/1AhDsxbS9QdBsOH5PU_8DP3cR3uA3Gqfo/view
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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