Stratford lad carves out name as butcher
A staff member at The Family Butchery has proved he’s a cut above the best.
Kory Sharpe, 22, recently gained his New Zealand Certificate in Trade Butchery Level 4 for carcass, breaking and boning.
The apprenticeship usually takes four years but Kory took only three-and-a-half.
“During the Covid-19 lockdown, I was meant to go away on a course. Due to the lockdown I was unable to go . . . but I was able to process home kill during the lockdown which meant I was able to practise processing different animals.
“I just kept working at it so I could try and finish the apprenticeship quicker.”
Kory says although he didn’t always plan to be a butcher, he is pleased to be qualified.
“I wanted to get a trade behind me at a young age instead of waiting until I was older. Butchery is the one that suited me best . . . I enjoy my job and where I work.”
To gain his qualification, Kory completed 25 unit standards and passed practical tests.
“I had to be assessed on breaking down beef, sheep, pigs and chicken and I had to be assessed on all the different cuts I use.”
Kory has known The Family Butchery owners Karl and Tina Turner since he was in primary school.
“I worked for them when they owned Four Square on the weekends. Once I finished high school I worked somewhere else but when Karl and Tina started their business, I came and worked for them.
“I enjoy it here, we get along quite well and I love what I do, which makes all the difference.”
Karl says he and Tina are proud of Kory.
“We’re pleased with Kory’s progress. He’s doing very well.”