Colin Stakes Claim As Top Butcher
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday June 20, 2002
Fourth year apprentice butcher Colin Bentley is a cut above the rest.
Mr Bentley was the choicest cut when TAFE teachers selected him as its 2001 Student of the Year in Meat Retailing 1, 2 and 3.
He began his career as a labourer then slaughterman with Parrish Meats abattoirs at Yallah. Fortunately, Mr Bentley left before the company closed down in 1998 which meant that, unlike other employees, he received his entitlements.
After spending some time in Queensland, he returned to the Illawarra and secured an apprenticeship with Steve's Quality Meats and Continental Butchery in Warrawong three years ago.
Mr Bentley, 24, said working in the meat industry was his livelihood and passion. ``It's a good career. I was very shy when I first started in the shop but I've been learning a lot as I've gone on," he said.
Now he has gained wide experience in all areas of the industry including packaging, boning, slicing, displaying and serving customers.
Mr Bentley attributes his success to the butchery section at Wollongong West campus which has a high success rate in students gaining employment during and after completing apprenticeships.
© 2002 Illawarra Mercury