Meat processing technicians prepare meat and meat dishes in consumer packages and set up meat sections in stores. The job also involves serving and advising customers on the handling of ingredients, cooking and the choice of side dishes. Meat processing is a certified profession.
Meat processing technicians work in meat processing, in meat department stores, slaughterhouses or in the sale and marketing of food.
• sawing, deboning and sectioning carcasses
• receiving raw materials, sorting them and evaluating condition and quality
• packaging products and preparing content descriptions
• preparing ground meat, sausages, pâté, meat puddings and various toppings
• seasoning and marinating meat
• preparing meat and meat dishes for sale in a meat section
A meat processing technician needs to know approved methods for preserving shelf life, know health and quality assessments, and be able to make content descriptions and prepare recipes and project descriptions. As a meat processing technician, you use specially designed hand tools and meat processing tools at work and you need to have good skills in cutting, deboning and trimming carcasses. It is also important to be aware of the importance of hygiene in the workplace and to be able to clean and disinfect workstations and equipment.
Meat processing is a four-year course at the secondary level, taught at Menntaskólinn í Kópavogi and Verkmenntaskólinn á Akureyri. Validation of prior learning has taken place and/or may be available.
