Jayke proves he’s a cut above the rest

FROM meat room clean-up boy to now fully qualified butcher, it was Jayke Allen’s impressive work ethic that recently earnt him a rising star award.

Jayke Allen, 21, started work at St Leonards IGA as a clean-up boy in the meat room when he was just 15 years old.

Director Jean Cowley said while the Ocean Grove teen was extremely reserved and shy, he worked through the very busy summer season and really showed how keen he was to do anything that was asked of him.

Ms Cowley said Jayke very quickly understood and implemented the daily tasks needed to ensure the meat room was cleaned thoroughly each day.

“Our meat manager Chris was so impressed with Jayke’s work ethic that on February 2015 (within three months of starting) he offered to give him a full-time job to start an apprenticeship as a butcher,” she said.

“Jayke absolutely jumped at the chance and soon showed how keen he was to become a really top tradesman in this field.

“He has worked hard to complete all modules of his apprenticeship and in February became a fully qualified butcher.”

Jayke recently won the Rising Star Award at the IGA state awards on Saturday March 16.

“On the night I felt excited and nervous, it was a great venue and all the people were nice and welcoming,” Jayke said.

“When I won it was unexpected and a bit of a shock.

“I’m stoked that I won and I couldn’t be happier.

“I thank everyone that’s helped me get to where I am.”

Ms Cowley said Jayke had excelled in all aspects of his trade in a meat room which still traditionally ages and cuts meat and prides itself on giving the very best quality to its customers.

“He has in the past four years grown into a confident young man who has managed to live independently in his own flat and has become a very well-respected member of our IGA team,” she said.