Cranstons butchers is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with the expansion of their CRAFT butchery scheme.
The company introduced its CRAFT (Cranstons Retail and Factory Trained) Butchery Apprenticeship Scheme in September, with two apprentices already on board and recruitment underway for a new intake.
The company says the structured three-year programme is designed to give apprentices comprehensive, hands-on experience in the industry, combining Cranstons’ heritage in butchery excellence with modern training to develop well-rounded future butchers.
James Wood, who has joined the latest cohort of the scheme, said: "Being accepted onto Phase 2 of the CRAFT scheme is something I’m really proud of.
"It feels like a great opportunity to develop my skills properly, gain experience across the business, and learn from people who are genuinely invested in helping you progress in the trade."
During the programme, Cranstons says apprentices rotate through all areas of the business, including traditional butcher shops, food halls, large-scale production, and full carcass breakdown.
According to the butchers, this approach allows them to explore different aspects of the trade, build a solid skill set, and identify long-term career opportunities.
James is set to begin his training in the production unit before moving to either the Carlisle Food Hall or the Hexham shop.
Cranstons says his fellow apprentice, Ben, will be based mainly at the Cumbrian Food Hall in Penrith after completing his time in production.
Both will rotate through all seven Cranstons sites, including Cumbrian Food Hall Penrith, Carlisle Food Hall, Orton Grange Food Hall, Brampton Food Hall, Penrith Traditional Shop, Hexham Traditional Shop, and the production unit in Penrith.
Julian Natrass, production butchery excellence lead at Cranstons and a former apprentice himself, said: "Investing in apprenticeships isn’t just about training or qualifications – it’s about giving people the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build a career they’re proud of.
"Our apprentices bring energy, curiosity, and fresh perspectives to our teams, and we’re proud to support them as they grow, contribute, and succeed, whether through our long-standing apprenticeship routes or the launch of the new CRAFT Butchery Scheme."
A spokesperson for the butchers said: "Apprenticeships have long been part of life at Cranstons, supporting people at every stage of their working lives – from those taking their first steps into employment to individuals seeking a complete career change."
Apprentices at Cranstons receive support and mentoring from experienced colleagues throughout their training.
According to the firm, many former apprentices have gone on to secure permanent, senior, and leadership roles within the business, contributing to areas such as product development, efficiency, and wellbeing.
Cranstons has a long history of offering apprenticeships, supporting both people starting out in their careers and those seeking a complete career change.
In addition to butchery, the company offers apprenticeship opportunities in business administration, HR, learning and development, and finance, blending practical work experience with nationally recognised qualifications.
The spokesperson added: "As Cranstons marks National Apprenticeship Week, the business remains focused on growing talent from within, supporting lifelong learning, and ensuring the skills at the heart of Cranstons continue for generations to come."
For more information on apprenticeship opportunities at Cranstons, visit cranstons.net/contact/jobs.
Share