Smallgoods Maker
Summary
Smallgoods makers select and prepare meat, and manage the processes in the production of smallgoods.
Duties & Tasks
Smallgoods makers may perform the following tasks:
- order supplies from wholesalers, as well as weigh and check stock on receipt
- store meat in refrigerators or freezers
- prepare meat by removing bones and trimming fat
- make seasonings, flavouring agents and pickling solutions, and pickle meat according to recipes
- assemble and operate mincers, grinders, mixers, and patty-forming or sausage-forming machines
- shape meat or meat emulsion to make sausages and smallgoods
- add seasonings to ground meat
- operate filling machines, cooking kettles and vats, and smoking chambers
- cure and cook meat products
- use correct detergents and sanitisers to prevent food poisoning and contamination of premises and equipment
- help clients (including hotels and restaurants) in menu planning and working out food portions and production costs
- pack and store products for display and sale
- collect payment for sales.
Working Conditions
Smallgoods makers work with a variety of knives, hand tools, power equipment (including mincers, mixers and bandsaws) and computer-operated machinery.
Smallgoods makers work in shops and boning/slicing rooms. Smallgoods makers usually have early morning starts and their work involves a lot of contact with people including customers and workmates. Smallgoods makers are exposed to animal blood in some parts of the process.
Personal Requirements
- enjoy practical and manual work
- physically fit and in good health
- good hand-eye coordination
- good interpersonal skills
- good hygiene.
