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Media release
TAFE NSW Granville | 11 September 2025
Female student butchers hone skills
“I started studying at TAFE NSW to gain the hands-on skills to better integrate butchery into our farming business and use these skills to work with employees and future apprentices.”
Hayley Pattison, TAFE NSW student
A trio of female students in the Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) stepped onto the competition floor at TAFE NSW Granville on 11 September 2025, vying for the title of Australian Meat Industry Council’s (AMIC) 2025 Apprentice of the Year.
They joined 14 TAFE NSW apprentices in AMIC’s high-pressure, MasterChef-style showdown, preparing to enter an industry that generated $81.7 billion in turnover in 2022–2023.*
Representing Wollongong West, Hamilton, and Granville campuses, the students undertook three challenges. The first was a theory exam testing industry knowledge. Next came practical tasks such as breaking down lamb, pork, beef, and chicken. Last, they faced a mystery box challenge, creating value-added products with a surprise ingredient revealed on the day.
Hayley Pattison, 40, is a 4-generation farmer and currently studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at TAFE NSW Wollongong West. As co-owners of Pattison Pastoral, Hayley and her husband operate a full paddock-to-plate business. They raise Hereford and Angus cattle, and manage a stud and a retail butchery business.
Hayley put her skills to the test by competing in the AMIC competition.
“I started studying at TAFE NSW to gain the hands-on skills to better integrate butchery into our farming business and use these skills to work with employees and future apprentices,” Hayley said. “It’s been an incredible learning experience — my teachers have been very supportive, and it’s great to compete thanks to an opportunity my teacher encouraged me to pursue.”
At TAFE NSW Granville, 11 female apprentices are currently enrolled in the Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher), spanning across years 1 to 3 of the course. According to Martin Paynter, Relieving Head Teacher of Meat and Allied Trades at TAFE NSW, the industry is evolving from its traditionally male-dominated roots.
“We’ve seen an increase in female students studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at TAFE NSW Granville. Industry is evolving from a male-dominated trade into a more diverse workforce, with roles emerging for butchers, counter hands, chefs, and marketing staff. Opportunities span full-time and part-time positions, attracting mums and female students and school leavers,” Mr Paynter said.
AMIC NSW/ACT State Manger Ian Hayes, said, "The AMIC Apprentice of the Year competition is a testament to the bright future of our industry. We see the skills and passion these young apprentices bring to the table — from their theoretical knowledge to their practical abilities and innovation in product development."
A panel of three industry experts judged the apprentices on skill, technique, and creativity at the 2025 AMIC Apprentice of the Year.
The state winner will be announced at a gala on 27 September at the Crowne Plaza Sydney, celebrating excellence across the meat industry — from emerging talent to seasoned professionals.
*2023 Meat and Livestock Australia State of the Industry Report
Media contact: Karen Farrell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.
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