Revolutionising butchery training

A Waxeye case study

Revolutionising Butchery Training

Many apprentice butchers learn best with their hands, not from a textbook. Skills4Work asked us to build a way of learning that suits them.

For years, Skills4Work heard the same thing from its apprentices. They struggled in the classroom and with the reading and writing that came with it. Butchery is a hands-on trade that attracts hands-on people, and textbook-based training held many of them back.

“We interviewed approximately six suppliers, and we felt that we aligned really well with Waxeye’s vision.” Tamai Roff, CEO, Skills4Work

We built an immersive VR training experience that lets trainees learn by seeing and doing. They stand next to life-size animals of different breeds, walk around them, and then learn about the carcass and its cuts.

“I’m very passionate about ensuring that hands-on, kinaesthetic learners have every opportunity to be able to learn, grow and develop in their roles and in their vocation.” Tamai Roff, CEO, Skills4Work

Trainees say it’s lifelike, and that they understood the material better than when they read it. “I would definitely recommend using it for more training,” said one apprentice. Tutors say it links theory to practical benchwork. The work has also raised Skills4Work’s profile in the industry. On a trip to Europe, the team saw how their programme compared: “What we were doing here in New Zealand with the VR technology … we were ahead of the game, not only in Aotearoa, but also in the world.”

VR is shaping the future of skills development in New Zealand

Mixed reality education solutions for trades training

Developed immersive VR learning experiences that transform butchery apprenticeship programs, enabling students to interact with life-size animal anatomy through intuitive hand gestures and 3D visualisation.

Accessible learning design for practical skills

Created inclusive educational technology for apprentices who struggled with text-heavy materials, delivering higher engagement and improved retention through interactive, hands-on training methods.

Scalable mobile training solutions

Built flexible mixed reality systems supporting mobile tutors across New Zealand, featuring 360° farm footage integration and device management for consistent educational delivery anywhere.

Gamified assessment technology

Implemented interactive meat cut placement challenges and layered information architecture that prevents cognitive overload whilst maintaining comprehensive curriculum coverage and authentic skill demonstration.

Collaborative edtech development

Partnered with butchery professionals to translate traditional curriculum into immersive learning experiences, enhancing established educational methods through innovative technology integration and user-centred design.

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