The award-winning fourth-generation farmer and owner of co-Pattison Pastoral has earned a reputation for excellence as a Hereford and Agus breeder and behind the butcher's block.
She now has her sights set on claiming the 2026 AMIC NSW Apprentice of the Year crown.
It will be Mrs Pattison’s second attempt, after a podium finish in the same competition last year.
She is one of 12 aspiring butchers, including two females, who will join 16 of the state's top apprentices at TAFE NSW Granville tomorrow, September 10, for the high-stakes competition.
It is designed to showcase the technical, creative and precision skills learnt in their Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) course at TAFE NSW.
This year’s competition will see apprentices judged on practical butchery tasks, including breaking down a lamb and chicken, and processing pork and beef cuts.
In a true MasterChef-like challenge, they will also compete in a mystery box task requiring competitors to create innovative value-added meat products using surprise ingredients revealed on the day.
Mrs Pattison is in the third year of her apprenticeship, studying through TAFE NSW Wollongong West.
She placed third in the Apprentice of the Year competition last year and returned in hopes of claiming the top gong.
Winning the competition will add to her long list of success in the industry to date, after taking out first and second place in the gourmet sausage and gourmet burger category of the AMIC competition and winning two gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the AMIC national charcuterie awards this year, qualifying her for the international competition in 2028.
“I feel so supported and encouraged by my TAFE NSW teachers who have given me so many opportunities to shine in this industry,” Mrs Pattison said.
“I now employ a mature age woman and a school-based apprentice in our business, and am able to share the hands-on skills I’ve learnt in my TAFE NSW course in the hopes of making butchery accessible to everyone.”
TAFE NSW head teacher of meat and allied trades Martin Paynter said the industry is becoming increasingly diverse, with 43 women enrolled in a Certificate III in Meat Processing apprenticeship across the state.
“We're seeing more women choosing careers in meat processing and retail butchery, particularly at TAFE NSW Granville," her said.
“The industry has evolved beyond its traditional image, creating opportunities across butchery, retail, food preparation, customer service and marketing.
“Butchery is seen as an artisan trade which is attracting school-leavers, career changers and parents alike."
Australian Meat Industry Council NSW/ACT state manager Ian Hayes said the full-day competition will judge apprentices on food safety knowledge, preparation, performance, use of equipment, with the winner going on to compete in the national competition.
“It’s great to partner with TAFE NSW to host this prestigious competition that attracts the top butchery apprentices right across the state,” Mr Hayes said.
The winner of the 2026 AMIC NSW Apprentice of the Year will be announced at the AMIC NSW Industry Awards Gala on September 26.
