Community & Business
25 October, 2023
A cut above the rest
Luke Thomas from Ashton’s Butchery has been awarded Apprentice of the Year for the whole of Queensland by the Australian Meat Industry Council.
Luke is approaching three years as a butcher, having started his apprenticeship with Ashton’s in February 2021.
He competed against the state’s best young butchers, assessed by three judges on important skills including hygiene, knife skills, theory, meat cuts, presentation and wastage.
Luke attended the awards ceremony in Brisbane last weekend with two of his colleagues.
For his win, Luke received a $500 cheque and a wooden plaque.
He said he was surprised to win, but “pretty confident” in his chances after a good showing when the judging was taking place.
Butchery has certainly become a passion of his.
“I enjoy its creativity - it’s an art in a sense,” he said.
“You can create something different for everyone.”
Next year, Luke will take it to the next level and represent Queensland at the national championships.
