Southern Regional College is celebrating the success of butchery apprentice Jochyl Mier, who has been named Best Abattoir Worker/Apprentice 2025 at the prestigious national awards hosted by the Institute of Meat and the Worshipful Company of Butchers.
The awards ceremony took place on 26 February 2026 at the historic Butchers’ Hall and is widely regarded as one of the most important events in the UK meat industry calendar. Jochyl, who is currently developing her skills with ABP Group in Newry, competed against apprentices from across the UK to secure the coveted title.
In front of a record audience of more than 150 guests, Jochyl was presented with a certificate of achievement by IoM Chief Executive Dave Smith (F.Inst.M) and Gwyn Howells, Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers. Alongside the title, she received a £250 prize and a year’s honorary membership of the Institute of Meat.
The annual prizegiving recognises the outstanding achievements of butchery apprentices, as well as the contributions of their employers and training providers. Nominations are reviewed by a panel of industry experts, with just 12 awards presented nationwide. The event also marks the announcement of the next generation of Institute of Meat accredited Master Butchers.
Commenting on this years’ awards, Dave Smith, CEO and Fellow of the Institute of Meat and a Master Butcher since 2014 said,
“Huge congratulations to Jochyl Mier and also of course to Southern Regional College and ABP Group Newry. Achieving this award has meant an exceptional amount of hard work and dedication from all three!
It’s fantastic to be celebrating today with our biggest ever audience. This is proof positive that there is a real buzz around the meat industry at the moment. Jochyl is part of a forward thinking, innovative industry. With the continued support of their training provider and employer I am sure they will have a future just as bright as the industry itself.”
Micheal Prunty, lecturer from Southern Regional College, who trained Jochyl said,
‘“We are immensely proud to see Jochyl recognised on a national stage by the IOM. Since starting the Meat & Poultry Skills Industry Level 2 Apprenticeship with the College, Jochyl has developed her skillset and progressed onto the Food Industry Skills Level 3 Apprenticeship.
This award recognises not only her hard work, but also the quality and ambition behind our butchery apprenticeship at Southern Regional College. Our learners continue to earn national and international acclaim in the butchery industry, and Jochyl’s achievement reinforces that track record.
We are committed to developing industry-ready professionals who can compete at the highest level. Seeing our apprentices stand proudly among the best in the country at Butchers’ Hall proves that our approach delivers results.”