The move from the classroom to the butcher-shop was a natural one for the 22-year-old, whose father and uncle also both work in the industry.

Now in the fourth year of his apprenticeship at his family’s Albert Street Butchery, Mr Nevill has established himself as one of the country’s most talented young butchers by qualifying for the 2017 World Butchers Challenge.

Mr Nevill said confidence and a meticulous approach to his trade were the crucial traits which helped him succeed under the pressure of competition.

“You’ve got to be confident and willing to have a go, because it’s pretty hard work,” Mr Nevill said.  “You’ve also got to be pretty sharp because it’s got to be appealing to customers.”

Mr Nevill displayed his skills by breaking up a lamb shoulder, pork shoulder, pork belly and a piece of beef rump at the national trials on the Gold Coast earlier in the month.  Judges kept a close eye on competitor’s technique, cleanliness and creativity.

Mr Nevill managed to finish in the top two at the trials, and will now have 12 months to prepare for the world competition to be held in Europe.