Professional Meat Cutting & Merchandising

The Professional Meat Cutting and Merchandising program at NAIT offers training for individuals interested in a hands-on career in the meat industry. This program provides a unique combination of practical skills and industry knowledge, aligning with the growing demand for skilled professionals in meat processing and retail.  

You’ll gain expertise working with beef, bison, pork, lamb, poultry and seafood, learning techniques for producing cured, smoked and processed meats, as well as sausage-making. The program also emphasizes merchandising and purchasing meat products, giving you valuable insights into the retail side of the industry. A strong focus on sanitation, safety, and quality control ensures you are equipped to maintain high industry standards.  

Hands-on experience is central to the program, with training in NAIT’s Retail Meat Store and a work experience placement that provides real-world learning and networking opportunities.  

Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for the diverse and challenging opportunities available in the Canadian meat industry. These include work in meat processing plants, retail supermarkets, specialty sausage shops, delicatessens and independent meat markets.