Butchery Apprentices from Bishop Burton College Visit Cedarbarn Farm Shop in Pickering

Recently, the butchery team at Cedarbarn Farm Shop in Pickering welcomed a group of butchery apprentices from Bishop Burton College. This visit was part of a special study tour aimed at giving these apprentices a deeper understanding of the butchery business and how it operates in the local area.

Apprentice Visit

The apprentices, who are training at Bishop Burton College near Beverley, explored five different butchery businesses, including Cedarbarn Farm Shop. This hands-on experience is vital for their learning, as it allows them to see real-world applications of their studies. The visit was organised by Paul Nicholson, the lead butchery assessor at Bishop Burton. Nicholson explained that the students were able to observe "the art of displaying meat, meat products, and the vast range of added value products that can be made from butchery cuts." One of the apprentices, Cameron McNicoll, who is currently working at Cedarbarn, played a significant role during the visit. He provided an overview of the shop, showcasing various displays, special offers, and the unique products they create. This insight was incredibly beneficial for his peers, as it allowed them to learn from someone who is actively working in the field.

Guided Tour

During the visit, the head butcher at Cedarbarn, Patrick Donaghy, led the apprentices on a guided tour of the butchery area. He explained the different processes involved in butchering and how the team prepares high-quality meat for the farm shop and its 80-seater café. On that particular day, the apprentices were fortunate enough to witness an Aberdeen Angus carcass being delivered by their meat processor, John Penny. Donaghy remarked, "It was a very enjoyable visit," highlighting the importance of providing such experiences for aspiring butchers.

Apprenticeship Achievements

Cameron McNicoll's dedication to his apprenticeship has not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the prestigious Nicholson Award for his exceptional performance during his Level 2 apprenticeship. Currently, he is working towards a Level 3 Award in Food Safety Supervision, a Level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Food Supply Chain Business, and a Level 3 Award in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), all part of his Advanced Apprenticeship. These qualifications are essential for anyone looking to build a career in the food industry, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain high safety standards.

About Cedarbarn Farm Shop

Cedarbarn Farm Shop is not just a butchery; it is a local hub for fresh, quality produce. The butchery team consists of seven skilled individuals who take pride in butchering and preparing home-reared beef and lamb, along with Yorkshire pork and poultry. This commitment to local sourcing supports Yorkshire farmers and ensures that customers receive the freshest possible products. The farm shop also features a café where visitors can enjoy meals made from the produce sold in the shop. This combination of butchery and café creates a unique experience for shoppers, who can enjoy a meal made from the very same ingredients they purchase.