Farm‑to‑fork future: Duchy College launches Cornwall’s new Butchery Academy

Aspiring butchers will now have a new pathway into Cornwall’s food and farming industry this October, with the launch of a new Butchery Academy at Duchy College.  

The Academy, based at the Stoke Climsland campus, will begin with a Level 2 Butchery Apprenticeship, with a Level 3 pathway and short courses also planned to support adults and existing employees to develop and progress their skills.  

There is already strong demand across the industry, with employers including Dunbia, Kepak, Philip Warren & Son, Ethringtons and Kittows looking to recruit and develop skilled people. The opportunities span the sector, from meat processing and production through to skilled butchery and retail. The Academy has been developed with local and leading Cornish employers to ensure training reflects the needs of the workplace.  

The idea was first brought to Duchy College by Emma Pate, Learning and Skills Manager at Great Cornish Food, who has been a strong advocate for the sector and the importance of developing its future workforce. 

The plans will offer a farm-to-fork curriculum, drawing on the knowledge and expertise of Duchy College’s curriculum teams and specialist facilities, including Future Farm.  

Local Farms and Businesses 

Learners will also visit local farms, businesses and other industry partners as part of their programme, giving them an understanding of the journey from livestock and food production through to processing, butchery and the finished product. 

Darren Evans, Principal of Duchy College, part of Cornwall College Group (CCG), said: “Butchery is an important part of Cornwall’s food and farming heritage, connecting our farmers and livestock producers with the food that reaches communities across the county. 

“It will give learners the opportunity to experience that journey for themselves, combining practical butchery training with the wider knowledge of food production and the farm-to-fork journey. They will benefit from the expertise and facilities at Duchy College, as well as opportunities to learn from local businesses and industry partners.” Darren added.  

Businesses Play a Big Part 

Hailey Collins, Business Partnership and Growth Manager at CCG, said: “Working with employers has been fundamental to developing the Academy. We have listened to businesses across Cornwall to understand the skills they need and the challenges they face, ensuring our training is relevant, practical and connected to the workplace.” 

She continued: “The level of interest from employers has been amazing and demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available across the industry and the importance of working together to develop the next generation. Emma Pate’s original idea and her advocacy for the sector helped start the conversation, and it has been fantastic to see that develop into a wider industry initiative.” 

Teresa Copping, Director of Apprenticeships at CCG, said: “Apprenticeships are at the heart of the Butchery Academy, giving people the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain valuable industry experience and develop specialist skills alongside experienced professionals.  

“With a Level 2 apprenticeship launching first and a Level 3 pathway planned, the Academy will support people to enter and progress within the sector, while helping employers develop and retain the talent they need. Cornwall has a proud food and farming heritage, and we want to make sure that heritage has a strong future.

"The Butchery Academy is about creating clear pathways into the industry, supporting people to build rewarding careers and helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need. This is exactly what our 1000 Futures campaign is about – creating meaningful opportunities for people to build their careers while supporting businesses across Cornwall to develop the workforce they need for the future.” Teresa explained. 

Official Launch Information 

The official launch and information event will take place on Monday, September 28 at Great Cornish Food Store in Truro, ahead of the Academy beginning at Duchy College’s Stoke Climsland campus in October.  

Around 50 guests, including young people, parents, teachers, careers advisers and employers, will come together to explore careers and apprenticeship opportunities across the sector. 

For more information about the launch event, please visit www.duchy.ac.uk/events/duchy-college-butchery-academy-launch/  

To find out more about courses and apprenticeship opportunities available at your local outstanding college, visit www.duchy.ac.uk.