Abattoir worker

Fee-free and reduced-fee courses: Jobs & Skills WA

Abattoir worker

Abattoir workers manage animals before and during the slaughtering process. They remove hides and internal organs and split the carcasses using saws. They trim, bone and slice carcasses so they are ready for sale or further processing. They may package meat products and they may also be involved with processing hides and by-products, as well as loading meat into trucks.

Working conditions

An abattoir worker would normally work 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, but in large operations they may work shifts. They usually have to stand up all day and their clothing and hands may become soiled with animal blood and fat. They need to maintain high levels of hygiene. The working conditions are usually kept clean, well-lit and ventilated. They usually wear protective clothing.

Tools and technologies

Abattoir workers need to be proficient with tools, such as knives and saws that are associated with the profession. They may also need to use various equipment used for processing meat and by-products from carcasses. They may also need to be able to use a stunner (to help prepare the animal for slaughtering).

Education and training

It is possible to work as an abattoir worker without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in meat processing or a related area.

Certificate II in Meat Processing (Abattoirs), Certificate III in Meat Processing (Boning Room) and Certificate III in Meat Processing (Slaughtering) are available at Western Australian registered training organisations. Browse courses through Jobs and Skills WA and search on the My Skills website to find a registered provider near you.

You can also undertake a traineeship in meat processing (abattoirs) (level 2), meat processing (boning) (level 3), or meat processing (slaughtering) (level 3). The traineeships usually take 12 to 24 months to complete. The meat processing (abattoirs) (level 2) traineeship is available as a school-based traineeship.

Related courses

Jobs & Skills WA: Get the skills you need for the job you want, with fee-free and reduced-fee courses:

Apprenticeships and traineeships

As an apprentice or trainee, you are employed and get paid while you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You'll do a combination of on the job training - gaining hands on skills, knowledge and experience - and structured training with a registered training provider such as TAFE. 

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships

Free support and assistance

Your local jobs and Skills Centre can provide free information, support and assistance to help you decide on the best training options to meet your goals.

Call your local Jobs and Skills Centre
Call your local
Jobs and Skills Centre
13 64 64
Find your closest Jobs and Skills Centre
Use our map to
find your closest
Jobs and Skills Centre

Disclaimer

The information presented on the occupation profiles within this website is offered as a guide only.