The Paddock Butchery’s Zac Kurowski claims Apprentice of the Year Award

A Toowoomba butcher carved up the competition to be named the state’s best apprentice at an industry awards night at the weekend.

The Paddock Butchery’s third year apprentice, Zac Kurowski, took out the Australian Meat Industry Council 2021 Apprentice of the Year Award for Queensland.

He claimed the award at AMIC Qld Industry Award Dinner held in Brisbane on Saturday.

The 18-year-old competed against seven other entrants in the lamb leg and whole rump category in the AMIC QLD Apprentice of the Year Competition held in Brisbane on September 1.

Entrants were judged on three areas – theory, meat, and a mystery box component, where they were required to produce four value added options for judging.

Mr Kurowski went beyond this to create sixteen options for consideration, earning him a distinction in the competition.

“I had a great time competing and enjoyed the chance to show the judges what I’ve learnt and can do,” he said.

“I really enjoy how physical this type of work is and the relationships that I have formed with our customers.”

The competition tests apprentices’ skills as they push themselves further in their career.

Paddock Butchery Head Butcher, Ted Ellison said he was proud to see the young bloke win.

“All Zac’s hard work and dedication has paid off,” he said.

“It’s an honour to have Zac on board with and we look forward to further supporting him through to his certification.”

Each State’s Apprentice of the Year winner would normally progress through to the National Apprentice of the Year Competition in early 2022.

However, the current Covid-19 situation has prevented some states from holding their competitions, meaning that the 2022 National Competition in Adelaide has been cancelled.

The Paddock Butchery was also nominated for the retailer of the year award and named a regional finalist.

Mr Ellison said he was thrilled with the nomination.

“Next year we aim to win the division and really show the community what we have to offer here at The Paddock Butchery,” he said.

Originally published as The Paddock Butchery’s Zac Kurowski claims Apprentice of the Year Award