Meat Cutting

Have you ever wondered what is involved in the delicate art of butchering or meat cutting? If so, our Meat Cutting program covers a wide curriculum of hands-on training to help you become a master butcher. You will be taught how to identify a variety of meats from wild and domestic animals, how to use common meat processing tools, and much more. We will also train you in following safety and sanitation standards and food service management.

Sharpen your blade, and get started with Maricopa Community Colleges today!

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

Certificates
Apprentice Meat Cutter

Instructor Meet and Greet

Join us in-person every Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central City for a chance to meet with the instructors and learn more about the program!

• Check-in at the Central City Welcome Center when you arrive.
• Please arrive early. Arrival more than 5 minutes late will result in not being permitted to attend.
• Sessions are not held when GateWay is closed for a holiday.

Please click here to pre-register

The Apprentice Meat Cutting program at GateWay is the only one of its kind in the state of Arizona. This training program is considered a clock hour program, which is a training program that provides skills for quick entry into the workforce. The clock hour programs have specific year-round start dates, and you attend classes four days a week, Monday-Thursday.

An Apprentice Meat Cutter is responsible for preparing standard cuts of meat, including beef, poultry, pork and fish, to be sold in either a self-serve or specialty counter. You will gain experience in retail and merchandising, using the tools of the industry, and identifying different cuts and types of beef, poultry, pork, fish, and game during the season. 

The Butcher Shop is a full-service meat counter that provides the public the opportunity to purchase the freshest cut meat. Click here to view our offerings. 

Successful completion of the program makes you eligible to apply for graduation to receive your certificate of competency. 
 

Watch video to learn more about the Meat Cutting Programs at GateWay Community College. 

You also may take advantage of career services to gain skills in interviewing, resume writing, looking for a job and other career guidance. Through these services you will be better prepared to complete successful interviews and attain employment.

Program Location

Central City Campus 

Program Cost Estimate

Certificate of Competency for Apprentice Meat Cutter:  $3,970  |  644 hours/6 months

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of ‘P’ or ‘C’ or better (depending on the course grading scale) for all courses required within the program.

Weekly hour requirements vary by program. Students should meet with a navigator to discuss these requirements further. Actual completion times may vary. A separate $15 Registration Fee will be charged per academic year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract nor guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, let's meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.