Every grand endeavor begins with a spark and when it comes to career options, exciting glimmers of opportunity often emerge from the most unlikely places. 

Dalton McKay and Slater Jones are two of the members of the White’s IGA apprentice program - a trade-focussed career and training pathway for ambitious butchers.

As part of the program, the pair work alongside fully qualified, highly experienced butchers in White’s IGA stores where they experience hands-on learning and practice, guided by trade experts. 

“The talent pool here on the Sunshine Coast is absolutely huge and we want to be part of a movement that celebrates and supports that talent and provides opportunities for rewarding careers,”White’s IGA owner Roz White said.

“People often write off retail or the grocery space as ‘just a job’ but the truth is, there are so many exciting career opportunities within the White’s IGA network.

“From trade qualifications, to management roles, leadership positions and more, the grocery space is so much more than a gateway - it’s a thriving workspace that’s loaded with career advancement possibilities,” she said.

At just 18 years old Dalton’s apprenticeship at White’s IGA Forest Glen is just getting started. Speaking about his entry into the world of retail and butchery Dalton said he was already getting excited about the opportunities it could open up for him. 

“My apprenticeship has opened me up to a network of industry professionals and experts and  I look forward to finishing my training and becoming a meat manager one day. 

“I’ve already learned so  much about the different cuts of meat and how to prep the cuts for customers. It’s genuinely rewarding - I love seeing the end product, something I have done, and then how it supports customers. Everyday is something different, and I love that,” Dalton said.

Slater is now entering his third year as a butcher apprentice at White’s IGA Baringa although he originally joined the team as a cashier.

“The possibilities for my career are growing all of the time. Right now I want to continue to learn everything I can about butchering, learn the trade all the way from paddock to plate. But, who knows where the industry might take me from there. There are so  many options to choose from in the grocery space,” he said.

• Visit https://whitesgrocers.com.au/careers/ to explore all the opportunities at White’s IGA.