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THE retail meat and butchery sector has been a male-dominated space for a century or more, but recently there has been a strong rise in the number of female apprentices seeking-out and advancing their butchery career.

Two apprentice butchers from Victoria and South Australia carved out their place in history last Saturday night, winning the Australian meat Industry Council’s State Apprentice of the Year Awards at their respective Gala Dinners and securing their spots at the 2026 AMIC National Apprentice Final.

Selena Licastro (above left) from Nino and Joe’s Meats, Brunswick, was crowned the Victorinox Victorian Apprentice of the Year, while Chelsea Matson (right) from Meat You Want in Adelaide’s St Agnes, earned the TFI South Australian Apprentice of the Year award.

The annual AMIC Apprentice competitions celebrate the next generation of talent across the country and Selena and Chelsea’s achievements shine a spotlight on the growing number of women pursuing careers in butchery.

“These apprentices represent a bright future for the craft,” said Stuart Fuller, AMIC’s retail general manager.

“The support from butchers, judges, and the broader industry shows how inclusive, diverse, and forward-looking our sector is.”

Both winners demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and professionalism, earning high praise from judges. By bringing fresh perspectives and breaking down long-held stereotypes, the apprentices are quickly becoming role models for others considering a future in the meat industry.

“I wanted to challenge myself, and I’m so glad I did,” said Selena. “My advice to others: give it a go, give it your best shot—you never know what you can achieve.”

Chelsea added, “I want to one day own and run my own business. The competition was an opportunity to meet new people, practice new things and continue developing within butchery as it’s a very interesting trade.”

In addition to the competition, the Gala events also recognised industry legends and raised vital funds:

• $2600 was donated to the Superheroes Foundation in Victoria, supporting families facing brain cancer treatments.
• $4000 went to Charlie’s Rainbow in South Australia, funding paediatric leukaemia research at UniSA.

Awards honoured Domenic Ventura (VIC, CBS Ricky Hart Legends Award) and Rodney Sims (SA, Legends Award).

NSW State Apprentice of the Year to be decided next week

In other states, Three female students studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) in New South Wales  will step onto the competition floor next week vying for the NSW state title in AMIC’s 2025 Apprentice of the Year.

These students are among 14 apprentices from TAFE NSW competing in AMIC’s high-pressure, MasterChef-style showdown. Representing campuses in Wollongong West, Hamilton and Granville TAFE NSW’s students will be tested across three key challenges:

• A theory exam to assess industry knowledge.
• Practical butchery skills, including breaking down a lamb, processing pork and beef cuts, and utilising a whole chicken.
• A mystery box challenge where they’ll create value-added meat products featuring a surprise ingredient revealed on the day.

Hayley Pattison is a fourth-generation farmer and currently studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at TAFE NSW Wollongong West. As co-owner of Pattison Pastoral, Hayley and her husband operate a full paddock-to-plate business, raising Hereford and Angus cattle, managing a stud and a retail butchery business. Now, she’s putting her skills to the test by competing in the AMIC competition.

“I started studying at TAFE NSW to gain the hands-on skills to better integrate butchery into our farming business and use these skills to work with employees and future apprentices,” Hayley said.

“It’s been an incredible learning experience — my teachers have been very supportive, and it’s great to now be competing thanks to an opportunity my teacher encouraged me to pursue.”

Hayley (pictured) is one of 11 female apprentices currently studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) – across years 1-3 of the course.

TAFE NSW Relieving Head Teacher Meat and Allied Trades, Martin Paynter, said the industry is shifting from a traditionally male-dominated workforce.

“We’ve seen an increase in female students studying a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at TAFE NSW Granville. Industry is evolving from a male-dominated trade into a more diverse workforce, with roles emerging for butchers, counter hands, chefs, and marketing staff. Opportunities span full-time and part-time positions, attracting mums and female students and school leavers,” Mr Paynter said.

AMIC NSW/ACT State Manger Ian Hayes, said, “The AMIC Apprentice of the Year competition is a testament to the bright future of our industry. We’re excited to see the skills and passion these young apprentices bring to the table – from their theoretical knowledge to their practical abilities and innovation in product development.”

A panel of three industry experts will judge the apprentices on skill, technique, and creativity at the 2025 AMIC  NSW Apprentice of the Year. The NSW State winner will be announced at a gala on 27 September at the Crowne Plaza Sydney, celebrating excellence across the meat industry – from emerging talent to seasoned professionals.

• The AMIC Apprentice National Final will be held in March next year, bringing together the best apprentice butchers from across Australia in a showcase of skill, precision, and innovation. The event highlights the importance of showcasing the next generation of butchers, ensuring the craft continues to thrive.