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Butcher or Smallgoods Maker

ANZSCO Code: 351211 | STSOL Migration Pathway

$55k – $75k Avg Salary (AUD)
High Future Demand
12-24 Months Course Duration
TRA Assessing Body

PR Pathway Overview

Study
→
Graduate
→
485 Visa
→
Work
→
Skills Assess
→
EOI
→
Invitation
→
Visa Grant
Pathway Insights: Most applicants aim for 80+ points. Regional Advantage: Studying or working in regional Australia provides a significant advantage and grants an additional +5 points to your total. The estimated total timeline from course commencement to permanent residency grant is typically 4 to 6 years.

Occupation Overview

Entry Req.: Year 12 completion (or equivalent); IELTS 5.5 overall (no band less than 5.0).

Intakes: February and July.

Required Qualification: Certificate III in Meat Processing (AMP30815) or equivalent trade qualification.

Course Examples: Meat Industry apprenticeship, Cert III in Meat Processing.

Course Cost: $1,300 to $3,900 (Indicative for domestic apprentices), up to $15,000 for international students.

Job Security: ★★★★★ (High – significant meat processing industry shortage).

Business Opportunities: ★★★★☆ (Strong regional demand in meat processing hubs).

Butcher at Work

Job Description & Training

Core Role: Slaughters, dresses and prepares meat and smallgoods products; advises customers on specific cuts and culinary preparation.

Skills Assessment: Assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA).

Industry Note: Deeply hands-on profession. Training involves mastery of slaughter, breaking, trimming, and smallgoods production (sausages, cured meats).

Your Australian PR occupation guide

Select any occupation to see the full skills assessment pathway, study options, English requirements, state nomination status, and visa comparison — all in one place.

90 Occupations
8 Assessing Bodies
6 Visa Pathways
8 States & Territories
Search related occupations, ANZSCO code, or assessing body... ⌕

Simple 4 Step Process

1

Enrol to a Course

Firstly, you must enrol in the right course/courses – one that trains you for a position on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

FIND A COURSE
2

Apply for 485 visa

After graduation, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa called the 485 Graduate Visa.

3

Undertake a Full Skill Assessment

Most trade occupations undertake the Job Ready Program assessed by Trades Recognition Australia (TRA), which involves 12-months of paid work experience.

4

Apply for 190, 491 visas

Finally... you may be eligible to apply for General Skilled Migration Visas: The State Nominated (Subclass 190) or Regional Nominated (Subclass 491) Visas.

Visa & PR Pathways

Skilled Nominated

Subclass 190
  • Direct Permanent Residency
  • State/Territory nomination required
  • +5 Points bonus for nomination

Regional Skilled

Subclass 491
  • 5-Year Provisional Visa
  • +15 Points for Regional Sponsorship
  • Pathway to 191 Permanent Residency

Employer Sponsored

Subclass 482
  • Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
  • Sponsorship by regional meat processors
  • Pathway to PR available

Regional Employer

Subclass 494
  • Regional Employer Sponsored
  • Priority regional processing
  • Direct pathway to Permanent Residency

STSOL Status Note: The Skilled Independent Subclass 189 visa is generally not available for this occupation. State or Employer sponsorship is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course entry requirements?

For international students, standard entry requirements include completing the equivalent of Australian Year 12 and achieving an English proficiency score equivalent to IELTS 5.5 overall (with no individual band below 5.0).

Course intakes?

The major course intakes for Meat Processing and Butchery courses typically fall in February and July, depending on the specific vocational education provider.

Course duration?

For an international student, a packaged trade course culminating in a Certificate III typically takes between 12 to 24 months of full-time study to complete.

Does studying regionally add points?

Yes. By completing your studies and living in a designated regional area of Australia, you will be awarded an additional +5 points towards your overall skilled migration points score.

Is the Butcher role in demand?

Absolutely. It is listed on the STSOL and experiences a significant ongoing shortage across the meat processing industry and local retail butchers, particularly in regional Australia.

Do I need a license/registration to work?

While a formal state trade license is not strictly required to work as an employed butcher, holding the Certificate III qualification and completing rigorous food safety handling certifications is essential.

What is the average salary expectation?

Qualified Butchers and Smallgoods Makers in Australia typically earn an average salary ranging between $55,000 and $75,000 AUD per year, varying based on location and experience level.

What visa pathways are available?

As an STSOL occupation, your primary PR pathways rely on state or regional sponsorship. Excellent options include the State Nominated Subclass 190 and the Regional Subclass 491 visas.

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