Jochyl Mier, a butchery apprentice at Southern Regional College, received the Best Abattoir Worker/Apprentice 2025 award at the Institute of Meat and Worshipful Company of Butchers Annual Prizegiving.

The event took place on 26 February 2026 at Butchers' Hall in London. Mier works at ABP Group in Newry. She received a certificate from Dave Smith, chief executive of the Institute of Meat, and Gwyn Howells, Master of the Worshipful Company of Butchers.

The award came with a £250 prize and a one-year honorary membership in the Institute of Meat. Over 150 guests attended the ceremony.

Dave Smith congratulated Mier, Southern Regional College, and ABP Group Newry. He noted the hard work required for the achievement.

Micheal Prunty, a lecturer at Southern Regional College who trained Mier, stated the college takes pride in the recognition. Mier began with the Meat & Poultry Skills Industry Level 2 Apprenticeship and advanced to the Food Industry Skills Level 3 Apprenticeship.

The prizegiving recognizes butchery apprentices, their training providers, and employers. A panel of industry experts vets nominations across 12 categories.