Up until April 2012, the European Social Fund (ESF) supported the Scottish Meat Industry through two projects - Cutting it in Scotland in Lowlands and Uplands Scotland and Cut it in Scotland in Highlands and Islands. These two projects enabled specialist craft certificate training which were assessed in the workplace and workshops that were held throughout the country.
The two projects that ran until April 2012 were worth almost £400,000 to the industry by way of support.
Since April 2012 ESF funding exists only for Scottish Meat training`s
Highlands and Islands project.
The 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 Projects through Objective 3 encouraged a wider take up of training across the independent butcher sector. The 2007 Projects continued the work under the title "Meat is Cool".
In 2005, 2006 and 2007 ESF funding through the Transitional Programme has allowed the benefit to be extended into Highlands and Islands Area. The projects focussed on the need for development of craft skills and enhancing the current Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) training programmes. Funding in the Highlands and Islands area was approved for 2008 and then in 2009 for a further three years. Approval for the Lowlands and Uplands Scotland was subsequently approved in August 2009. This too,
was for three years and enabled considerable activity in the area.
By adding value to the SVQs the development of craft skills can be enhanced and delivered to all those employed in the craft butcher sector in Scotland. A
comprehensive craft training and customer service programme is bolted on top the Meat and Poultry SVQ at level 2 to ensure that those employed in craft
butchers`
shops are trained to increasing standards expected by today`s customers.
Those undertaking these higher level additional units were awarded an additional certification; either Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Associations Craftsman, Cutting Butcher, Processing Butcher, Manufacturing Butcher, Butcher`s Baker Certificates, Customer Service Award or Scottish Federation Diploma.
ESF funding enabled Regional Development meetings, Creative seminars, transition courses, intermediate hygiene course and intermediate HACCP.
