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Meat Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Cook

Morristown, TN

$13 - $16.75/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Part-Time Cook

Morristown, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Part-Time Cook

Russellville, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Part-Time Cook

Morristown, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Part-Time Cook

Morristown, TN

$13 - $16.75/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Part-Time Cook

Morristown, TN

$13 - $16.75/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Part-Time Cook

Whitesburg, TN · On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Full Time Cook

Morristown, TN

$13 - $16.75/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Full Time Cook

Morristown, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

... refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings 5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and ... CAFETERIA WORKER 1. Vocational education 2. Apprentice training 3. On-the-job training 4. Essential ...

Showing results 21-29

Meat Apprentice information

What is a meat apprentice?

Meat apprentices are entry-level workers who learn the skills and techniques necessary to become professional butchers. They work under the supervision of experienced butchers, learning how to cut, trim, and prepare various types of meat. Meat apprentices also gain knowledge about food safety, proper handling of tools, and customer service within a meat department or butcher shop. This role is typically the first step toward a career as a certified butcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a meat apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Meat Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of meat cuts, food safety, and proper handling techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as band saws, grinders, and scales, as well as knowledge of safety standards like HACCP, is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help you excel in a team-oriented, customer-facing environment. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure product quality, maintain safety standards, and support effective customer service in a meat department.

What are some common challenges faced by meat apprentices during their training period?

Meat Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering the safe and efficient use of cutting tools, learning to identify different cuts of meat, and maintaining strict hygiene standards in a fast-paced environment. Adapting to early or long shifts, especially in large grocery stores or butcher shops, can also be demanding. However, with guidance from experienced butchers and a willingness to learn, most apprentices quickly build confidence and proficiency in their skills.

What is the difference between Meat Apprentice vs Butcher Trainee?

AspectMeat ApprenticeButcher Trainee
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, some vocational courses
Work EnvironmentMeat processing plants, butcher shopsButcher shops, supermarkets, meat markets
Employer & Industry UsageMeat processing companies, retail butchersGrocery stores, specialty meat shops
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Meat Apprentice and Butcher Trainee roles are similar entry-level positions focused on learning meat cutting and processing skills. Both typically require on-the-job training and are found in meat processing plants or retail environments. The main difference lies in terminology used by employers and regions, but both serve as foundational steps toward becoming a skilled butcher.

How to become a meat apprentice?

To become a meat apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must apply to a butcher shop or meat processing facility. On-the-job training is common, and developing skills in meat cutting, safety, and sanitation is essential; some programs may also require relevant certifications or licenses. Apprenticeship durations vary but often last from several months to a year.

What are the most commonly searched types of Meat jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Meat jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Meat Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Meat Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Meat Apprentice job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

$13 - $16.75/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Experience as a substitute in the School Nutrition Program so that with appropriate training employee may serve in the specific role for which employed
2. Physical examination, to include a tuberculin test or lung x-ray upon being employed
3. Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
4. Meets health and physical requirements
JOB GOAL
To maintain cafeteria work area and equipment and utensils in a clean and orderly condition
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Assists in the preparation of food portions and prepares cafeteria counter
2. Serves students and staff from the cafeteria counter
3. Transfers supplies and equipment between storage and work area
4. Cleans work tables, walls, refrigerators, meat blocks, tables, counters, and furnishings
5. Washes pots, pans, trays, and dishes
6. Maintains the trash and garbage collection area in a neat and sanitary fashion
7. Assumes responsibility for knowing and following the safety rules and proper procedures associated with the responsibilities of the job
8. Attends all school system inservice meetings and training classes for cafeteria workers
9. Observes all state and local regulations relating to cafeteria operation
10. Abstains from the use of tobacco and alcohol while on the job
11. Performs other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This job may require lifting of objects that exceed 50 lbs., with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 30 lbs. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows:
1. Pushing
2. Pulling
3. Climbing
4. Stooping
5. Crouching
6. Reaching
7. Kneeling
8. Talking
9. Hearing
10. Seeing
VOCATIONAL PREPARATION The required vocational preparation may come from any of the following:
CAFETERIA WORKER
1. Vocational education
2. Apprentice training
3. On-the-job training
4. Essential experience
5. T.E.A.M. training
TEMPERAMENT (Personal traits)
1. Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure 2. Adaptability to accepting responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of an activity
3. Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria
4. Adaptability to dealing with people
CAPACITY AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Specific capacities and abilities may be required of an individual in order to learn or adequately perform a task or job duty.
1. Intelligence: Ability to understand instructions and underlying principles; ability to reason and make judgments
2. Verbal: Ability to understand meanings of words and the ideas associated with them
3. Manual Dexterity: Ability to move the fingers and rapidly and accurately manipulate small objects with the fingers
4. Color Discrimination: Ability to perceive or recognize similarities or differences in colors or shades or other values of the same color
WORK CONDITIONS
May experience some discomfort due to exposure to noise and temperature and as a result of standing for periods of time
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
1. 179-day contract; hours per day determined by school need
a. 177 student days (adjusted accordingly with school cancellation due to inclement weather)
b. 2 days for inservice or other assigned duties
2. School Nutrition hourly salary scale
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Cafeteria Manager and Principal
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.