A butcher who became one of Morrisons’ first apprentices 33 years ago will pass on his knowledge to new recruits as a £500,000 academy championing traditional skills opens at a Bradford store today.

Stephen Fox, 48, who is one of the longest-serving employees in the Bradford-based supermarket giant’s original Victoria Shopping Centre store, joined the company on its first apprenticeship scheme in 1980.

He will now share his knowledge with new apprentice butchers at the in-store training facility, including 22-year-old Anthony Bould, who works in the shop’s grocery department.

Mr Fox, who works as part of a team with more than 100 years’ experience between them, said: “I often say I was put on this earth to be a butcher.

“We’ve always been customer-focused and taught to cut a joint exactly how the customer wants it. I did it from day one and continue to do it today. I wasn’t academic at school, but as soon as I started as an apprentice butcher I found something that I was good at.”

Trainees, including Mr Bould, will take part in an 12-month apprenticeship to gain an IPQ qualification in butchery and will shadow butchers working on the meat counter while completing a four-week intensive course at Blackpool College.

He will learn about the bone structure of animals, how to trim meat and how to make the products on sale on the counter as well as take part in cookery classes to ensure he knows how best to prepare each meat and can advice customers.

Mr Bould said: “I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship with the butchery team this year. I think that learning on the job from people who really know what they’re doing is the best experience you can get.

“It’s good to know that the craft skills academy will encourage other people to learn a proper trade and keep the traditions going.”

The craft skills academy, which will train butchers, bakers and fishmongers, has also seen more than 30 members of staff trained in food and wine matching, while the store’s craft skills specialists have increased the number of products they make from scratch.

Other improvements have been made to the store, including a new flower shop and a wider range of fruit and vegetables.

Chris Dibb, store manager, said: “The transformation of the store is incredible and I think that the craft skills academy is a great way to encourage the uptake of traditional skills. We have more skilled craftsmen and women on our counters than any other supermarket and pride ourselves on the knowledge and advice that they can offer to customers.

“It’s great to see young people learning a trade.”