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Perfecting the Craft
Artisanal Butchery
Artisanal Butchery
Artisanal Butchery
Brightwater's Artisanal Butchery program prepares students for a rewarding career in whole-animal butchery, charcuterie and retail operations. This program offers students a unique opportunity to master traditional butchery skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a USDA-inspected facility, all while learning the business side of running a retail butcher shop or deli.
At Brightwater, we believe that the key to success in the food industry lies in understanding the entire food system—from farm to table. Our Artisanal Butchery Certificate program equips students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to thrive in the local food system, focusing on sustainable practices, food safety, whole-animal butchery and value-added product creation.
As a student in this program, you will develop both culinary skills and business acumen, preparing you to enter the industry as a skilled artisan butcher, charcuterie producer or retail operations manager.
Courses
FDST 1013 Food Safety
FDST 1403 Butchery
FDST 1413 Retail Butchery Operations
FDST 1423 Charcuterie
FDST 1433 Butchery and Charcuterie Production
FDST 1442 Food Safety for Manufacturing
Degree, Costs & Careers
NWACC proudly offers students an accessible and affordable higher education. Visit the Treasurer's office for detailed fees.
Remember, financial aid is available for eligible students.
In addition to tuition costs, students will be responsible for the approximate cost of the items listed below to complete the program:
| Item | Approximate Cost | |
| Uniform | $150 | |
| Culinary Set | $250 | |
| Textbooks | $400 | |
| Lab Fees | Visit the Treasurer's office |
Uniforms, textbooks, and culinary sets are available through the NWACC Bookstore.
Opportunities continue to be endless in the food industry as it is always evolving and innovating. Brightwater's programs prepare you for a career that fits your specific skills, personality and aspirations.
Receiving a Certificate of Proficiency in Artisanal Butchery will allow you a chance to progress rapidly in the industry in an array of diverse settings.
Some opportunities include:
- Restaurant Butcher
- Artisanal Craft Butcher Shop
- Retail Butcher
- Farm-to-Table Chef
Program Outcomes
As you progress through Brightwater's Artisanal Butchery program, you'll obtain a spread of knowledge and skills. View the information below to learn more.
Hands-on Experience
- Learn in a fully equipped, USDA-inspected butchery lab designed for practical, real-world application.
Industry-Relevant Skills
- Gain proficiency in whole-animal butchery, value-added products, charcuterie, and retail butchery operations.
Food Safety Certification
- Become HACCP-certified and acquire Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification for food manufacturing.
Local Food Movement
- Train in the heart of a growing local food movement in Arkansas, where demand for sustainably sourced, quality meats is on the rise.
Workforce Development
- Join an industry in need of skilled professionals. The state of Arkansas and surrounding areas have significant job opportunities for trained butchers, with demand for local meat processing continuing to increase.
For more information, view frequently asked questions.