HARRISBURG, PA. — The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced that it would invest $90,000 in the Penn State Butcher Apprenticeship Program through a Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) grant.

The program provides financial support for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, enabling job seekers to earn a salary while acquiring skills. 

“DCED is thrilled to support workforce training programs like Penn State’s Butcher Apprenticeship program, which allows students to transition from classroom to career, improve their skills and fill a growing need within the industry,” said DCED Secretary Rick Sieger.

The apprenticeship program would address a growing need for skilled butcher and meat processors as the industry’s aging workforce retires soon.

With the FIT grant, ten students will receive five weeks of specialized instruction at Penn State’s University Park campus in areas of meat composition, anatomy of the animal, knife safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, and sanitation. 

After that, students will be connected to regional registered apprentice programs and receive 3,000 hours of on-the-job training, during which an assigned mentor helps them better their skills.