Community & Business
8 February, 2024
Local apprentice to compete for national title
Luke Thomas from Ashton’s Butchery, is set to compete for the national title of Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) Apprentice of the Year, in the next few weeks.
After being awarded Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year in 2023, Luke is now transitioning to the next stage of the competition - the national title.
Australia’s six best apprentices will be judged over the weekend of the National Sausage Kings competition, which takes place on 23 and 24 February at the Sunshine Coast.
The apprentices will be judged with a lamb and pork practical test, a theory exam and a mystery box challenge where the butchers will create a range or showcase value added lines using top quality Australian ingredients and proteins.
The enthusiasm, passion and drive that all of the apprentices showed in their state events, not only those that made the final, but all who competed, is a testament to the great work that is happening within a great industry and the people working in it.
“Our independent local butchers’ ability to offer superior advice, quality product and personalized customer service has them ingrained in the fabric of local communities and with the finalists coming from mixed and varied metro and regional towns far and wide throughout Australia,” said AMIC’s general manager, retail, Stuart Fuller.
On the Saturday night, after final judging, there will be a gala dinner to announce the winners.
Before the national competition, Mr Thomas will travel to Brisbane for a preliminary round of the World Butchers’ Challenge, branded by many as the ‘Olympics of Meat’.
If he advances, Mr Thomas will compete for the international title of Young Butcher.
The World Butchers’ Challenge is set to take place next year in Paris.
When asked about it, Mr Thomas said there would be some stiff competition.
“There’s a lot of good people in it, because it’s qualified as well.
“There are a few blokes that were in the world comp last time, and got placings there,” he said.
