Kippen butcher honoured by national award

A Stirlingshire butcher has been recognised with a national award for his mentoring of the next generation of meat industry professionals.

Andrew, started in the meat industry at the age of 14. And despite being dubbed the “worst cleaner upper” for his back shop efforts at Skinners as a Saturday boy, Andrew went on to fulfil his modern apprenticeships – levels 2 and 3 – and thereafter the Craft Butcher Diploma of Scotland – the country’s highest butchery qualification.

For years, the training he received at the hands of the shop’s experienced butchers has been echoed in his training ethic with his own young apprentices.

And at a special awards ceremony this week, Andrew was left speechless after a nomination by one of his apprentices secured him the coveted industry title.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” he said. “What an honour. I didn’t even know I was being nominated so this is all just amazing.”

 

The annual training awards are suppoted by Craft Skills Scotland, the Scotch Butchers Club, Incorporation of Fleshers Glasgow, Fleshers Trade Dundee and Lanarkshire Butchers Association and attract hundreds of nominations each year.

In her nomination, Skinners of Kippen apprentice Carol Ballinger detailed how Andrew inspires confidence in others and has a natural way of encouraging people to push themselves while knowing he has their back.

“When I first came into butchery, I had no experience at all and felt
unsure if I could succeed,” she said. “Andrew has been the reason I found the
strength, skills and confidence to keep going and to achieve more
than I thought possible.

“He has supported me every step of the way,” said Carol, “particularly during my qualifications. His encouragement and belief in me gave me the determination to carry on, even on the toughest days.

“Andrew doesn’t just support me – he brings out the best in everyone around by staying positive, praising good work and leading by example.’

 

Carol explained that as a mature woman changing career from nursing, there were times she wanted to walk away.

“On those days, Andrew never let me give up, instead he would reassure me with his calm words and belief that I could overcome the challenge.

“His mix of humour, patience and dedication shows not only his skills but his genuine care for the people he mentors,” she said. “He is without a doubt the reason I stayed, learned and succeeded in this career.”

 

I have had the opportunity to train some great individuals with a variety of different learning styles and backgrounds. During this time, it has taught me a lot about myself as a person. My confidence, problem solving and communication skills have really improved from these experiences.
This is due to the fact that every individual learns differently, and I enjoy taking the time and adapting to what the individual needs to successfully complete their goals. Personally, I feel a great honour to have had the opportunity to see the success of everyone who I have trained as they achieve their well-earned award.

 

 A delighted Andrew explained that he has had the opportunity to train some “great individuals” with a variety of different learning styles and backgrounds.

“During this time, it has taught me a lot about myself as a person,” he said. “My confidence, problem solving and communication skills have really improved from these experiences.
“This is due to the fact that every individual learns differently, and I enjoy taking the time and adapting to the individual needs to successfully complete their goals. Personally, I feel a great honour to have had the opportunity to see the success of everyone who I have trained achieve their well-earned goals.”

 

Gordon King, Executive Manager with Scottish Craft Butchers, said the industry’s future was in safe hands with mentors like Andrew.

“Andrew is a master at making any apprentice he takes under his wing feel valued and important by minimising their weaknesses and playing to their strengths,” he said. “Andrew benefitted from a terrific training ground at Skinners of Kippen when he was younger and he’s using that experience to ensure his apprentices there have a similar rewarding and enjoyable time.

“We are lucky to have many outstanding mentors in the industry, bringing though the next generation of skilled craft butchers, and Andrew is an outstanding example and a worthy winner of this year’s award.”