Apprentice of the Year
Congratulations to our recent National Apprentice of the Year, Lewis Lack, from Water’s Butchery in Queensland, with Jesse Anderton from Fussy Meats in Western Australia our runner-up.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 competition.
The full day competition will judge apprentices on preparation and performance, use of equipment, product and underpinning knowledge, use of ingredients and creativity and practical application of end products. Apprentices will sit theory and practical exams and participate in a mystery box practical challenge, where the apprentices will be required to create value added products from a selection of mystery ingredients.
The competition day offers networking, personal and professional growth development along with the challenge for apprentices of all ages to pit their skills against the best in the industry. The days are a great opportunity to meet peers, and learn, gain practical tips from leaders in the meat industry.

2025 Apprentice of the Year
national finalists.
A $500 first prize and $250 runner up in each state will be awarded, and the winner, along with the honour and prestige of being the state champion will then go on to represent their state at the National Competition.
Please download, complete and return the application form and return via email to [email protected] or direct to the State Manager contact email. Applications will close one week prior to each event.
STATE: | DATE: | Application Form: | Contact: |
South Australia | Tuesday 27 May | Click here to download | [email protected] |
Queensland | Wednesday 16 July | Click here to download | [email protected] |
Victoria | Tuesday 5 August | Click here to download | [email protected] |
Western Australia | Wednesday 26 August | Click here to download | [email protected] |
NSW/ACT | Thursday 11 September | Click here to download | [email protected] |
Tasmania | Friday 19 September | Click here to download | [email protected] |
Northern Territory | Wednesday 24 September | Click here to download | [email protected] |
* Dates and venues subject to change
STATE | DATE | APP. FORM |
CONTACT |
SA | Tue 27 May |
Download | [email protected] |
QLD | Wed 16 Jul |
Download | [email protected] |
VIC | Tue 26 Aug | Download | [email protected] |
WA | Wed 26 Aug | Download | [email protected] |
NSW/ ACT |
Thur 11 Sept | Download | [email protected] |
TAS | Fri 19 Sept | Download | [email protected] |
NT | Wed 24 Sept | Download | [email protected] |
* Dates and venues subject to change