Enrollment in the UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate is currently FREE due to funding by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food with appropriations from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF).
The UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate program is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to enter and excel in the meat industry, the largest segment of U.S. agriculture which is broadly responsible for 5.4 million jobs and $257 billion in wages. (according to the North American Meat Institute).
The training program will cover a vast range of skills and knowledge areas essential to the meat industry with learning taking place online through American Meat Science Association (AMSA) curriculum and in-person with hands-on laboratory experience in New Hampshire USDA inspected meat processing facilities.
How It Works
In order to receive the UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate leaners must complete and successfully pass the certification exam for three (3) self-paced online workshops and one (1) in-person hands-on meat processing laboratory training day within the span of one (1) year:
Required courses include:
- AMSA Culinary Meat Selection & Cookery Certification
- AMSA Food Safety & Science Certification
- AMSA Meat Evaluation Certification
- Meat Processing Lab Training
What to Expect
The three online AMSA Certification courses are self-paced online learning programs where there are no scheduled class hours and learners can work through course content at their own pace. Each of the three AMSA Certification programs culminates with a proctored online 100-question certification exam. Learners have 6 months access to the content from the date of their registration.
The Meat Processing Lab Training will be a one-day (8 hour) instructor-led training program that will take place at a USDA inspected meat processing facility within New Hampshire. For more information on the Lab Training program check the current course page here.
What You Learn
The Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate program offers learning and skill development in:
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Quality Control
- Meat Processing Techniques
- Regulatory Compliance
- Industry Standards
- Slaughtering and Primal Fabrication
- Knife Handling
- Precision and Retail Cutting:
- Packaging
What You Earn
Upon successful completion of the UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate program learners will receive:
- A noncredit Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate of Completion from UNH Professional Development & Training
- 45.8 (458 hours) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from UNH Professional Development & Training
- AMSA Food Safety & Science Certification and Digital Badge
- AMSA Culinary Meat Selection & Cookery Certification and Digital Badge
- AMSA Meat Evaluation Certification and Digital Badge
- AMSA Culinary Meat Selection & Cookery Certification | enroll anytime
- AMSA Food Safety & Science Certification | enroll anytime
- AMSA Meat Evaluation Certification | enroll anytime
- Meat Processing Lab Training | date TBA
The UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate program is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge needed to enter and excel in the meat industry. Enrollment in the certificate program is currently FREE due to funding by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food with appropriations from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF).
More Certificate Information
Current learners and alumni of the UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate are entitled to additional training and career support including workforce employment support within the meat industry such as additional training, externship placement, and job boards.
For career support and/or to request access to free training programs contact Michael Mengers at michael.mengers@unh.edu.
The UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate program offers valuable learning and professional development opportunities for individuals currently working in, or those trying to enter these fields:
- Butchers and Meat Cutters
- Chefs and Cooks
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers
- Food Science Technicians
- Food and Agricultural Inspectors
Working in the meat industry can be a rewarding career choice for several reasons:
- Job Security: The meat industry is a stable and essential part of the food supply chain, offering consistent employment opportunities
- Competitive Wages: Many positions in meat processing offer competitive pay, especially as you gain experience and skills
- Skill Development: You'll learn valuable skills such as precision cutting, food safety, and quality assurance, which are transferable to other food-related industries
- Career Advancement: There are opportunities for advancement within the industry, from entry-level positions to management roles
- Flexible Work Hours: Many meat processing facilities offer flexible shift work, allowing you to balance work with personal commitments
- Hands-On Work: If you enjoy working with your hands and being active, this industry provides a dynamic and physically engaging work environment
Free Training for Your Future
Enrollment in the UNH Meat Processing & Food Safety Certificate program is currently FREE due to funding by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food with appropriations from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SFRF). To participate in the program, learners will need access to a computer with an internet connection and transportation to one in-person training program day located in New Hampshire.
