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A Newry-based butchery apprentice from Southern Regional College has been named Best Abattoir Worker/Apprentice 2025 at one of the most prestigious events in the UK meat industry calendar.
Jochyl Mier, who is developing her skills with ABP Group in Newry, was presented with the award at the annual prizegiving hosted by the Institute of Meat and the Worshipful Company of Butchers. The ceremony took place on 26 February 2026 at Butchers' Hall and was attended by a record audience of more than 150 guests.
Competing against apprentices from across the UK, Jochyl was presented with a certificate of achievement by Institute of Meat Chief Executive Dave Smith and Gwyn Howells, Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers. She also received a £250 prize and a year's honorary membership of the Institute of Meat.
The annual awards recognise outstanding achievement among 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.
Dave Smith, CEO and Fellow of the Institute of Meat and a Master Butcher since 2014, paid tribute to Jochyl and those who supported her. "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."
He added: "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 at Southern Regional College, who trained Jochyl, said the college was proud to see her recognised on a national stage. "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."
Prunty added: "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."
Southern Regional College's butchery programme has built a strong reputation for producing industry-ready professionals, and Jochyl's win at Butchers' Hall is the latest in a series of national and international achievements for its apprentices.
