Is Meat/Poultry/Fish A Good Career Path?
Is Meat/Poultry/Fish A Good Career Path?
What are you doing with your Meat, Poultry, and Fish Processing degree? Are there any jobs? What is the average salary? Where can I find my dream job? This blog will address or clear your all doubt about these questions and more. Is meat/poultry/fish the right career path for you? (more content to follow)
Is meat/poultry/fish a good career path?
Choosing which career path to pursue can be difficult for many people. Is meat/poultry/fish a good career? To begin with, there are several advantages and disadvantages to choosing to pursue this type of employment as your career. Below are some reasons why you should consider pursuing this career and a few reasons why you may want to think twice before leaping into the world of meat/poultry/fish production or processing.
Benefits of working in the meat/poultry/fish industry
The advantage of working in the meat, poultry, and fish industries is that there is a wide variety of jobs to choose from in these industries. The work varies depending on the animal you are targeting as well as the type of processing you are doing. In some cases, you may package food or produce more processed products, while in other cases, you may be part of the butchery process by preparing portions of meat.
One of the main advantages of this industry is the flexible working hours, which allows for a better balance between your professional and personal life if needed. Employees can also take advantage of the many benefits offered by the industry, such as paid vacation and short-term disability insurance if they wish.
Disadvantages of working in the meat/poultry/fish industry
The average salary for a food handler is $14.24 per hour.
Many people do not want to work with live animals in their jobs because they would be:-
i. slaughtering or slaughtering in a plant.
ii. Air quality and conditions at these plants are among the worst of any manufacturing industry in the United States.
iii. Workers are at risk of developing diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
iv. which is similar to mad cow disease, as well as other occupational hazards that lead to cumulative trauma disorders or musculoskeletal problems from repetitive motion.
v. Many people who work with these products experience significant pain from being exposed to chemicals such as ammonia without adequate protection with gloves or respirators during the daily processing of meat and poultry products.
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Job prospects, environment, and salary
The industry has a high unemployment rate, but most of the available jobs are working in slaughterhouses. Meat is not only difficult to prepare but also spoils quickly. The pay for this job depends on the size of the company and whether you are willing to work long hours (which most people are). The environment is hectic and smelly and can be physically demanding.
Why do you want to work in this industry?
You should work in the field because you will enjoy the science component of cooking and also because you will have no formal training in any other field. Moreover, according to some sources, it is an industry with a lot of opportunities for someone with no education to start their own business without too much capital investment.
Current vacancies and future growth potential
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that careers in the food industry will grow 18% faster than the national average by 2024. Other factors such as globalization and an aging population will also contribute to the need for more food workers. So If you want to work in the food industry, there are many careers available to you, and it’s great for you!
What degree will I need to pass?
To answer this question, it is first important and the main point to know what type of job you are looking for. For example, if you’re looking for an entry-level animal care position, your educational requirements will be lower than if you’re looking for a job in research and development. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that only about 12% of those working in the animal industry need a four-year degree to complete their current job. Most workers in the field have an associate’s degree or less.
What type of training will I receive from my employer?
The training you receive from your employer will depend on the type of work you will be hired for. Meat packers and trimmers are trained by their employers on USDA guidelines for packaging, labeling, storage, and product tracking. This information will help them succeed in their work. Job responsibilities of poultry workers include maintaining sanitary conditions and clean facilities, processing chickens (which includes breaking chickens into individual parts), inspecting product quality, and monitoring process time to ensure food safety standards are met.
Will I be able to move up in my career?
Salary depends on the type of company you work for and the position you hold, so it’s important to research that as well. i. Entry-level employees can expect an average salary of around $30,000 per year. The following is a typical salary range by occupation.
ii. Chef – $35,000 – $150,000
iii. Executive Chef – $75,000 – $100,000
iv. General Manager – $60,000 – $200,000
v. Restaurateur – $25,000 – $300,000
How do I know if it’s right for me?
It can be difficult to know if you should work in the animal industry. It’s important to take some time to see if it’s something you have a passion for if it just seems like the right fit for your skill set, or even if you have family in the industry who encouraged you to follow in their footsteps.
What certificates will I need to get started?
You will need to undergo food safety training and learn more about the industry by working with someone with experience. The most popular certifications include:-
i. HAACP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
ii. AIBSP (American Institute of Baking & Supplier)
The USDA also has several helpful online resources for individuals who want to work in this field. However, an internship is a great way to gain experience and establish yourself in the industry for those just starting out.
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