Leeds City College

Nikita Somma is already making waves in the butchery world. With a sharp eye for detail, a passion for her craft, and an unstoppable work ethic, she has transformed her apprenticeship into a launchpad for national recognition and ambitious future plans.

Nikita, 24, began her journey in butchery through an in-house apprenticeship with her previous employer. Wanting a formal qualification and the chance to push her skills further, she moved onto a certified Level 2 apprenticeship at Leeds City College.

A typical week for Nikita is busy and hands-on. She is currently stationed in the lamb department, fulfilling customer orders and preparing stock for larger clients. Throughout her apprenticeship, she developed essential technical skills, including knife skills, health and safety, food safety, and her Level 2 Butchery Qualification.

Her manager, Kyle Linley, says: “Nikita is exceptionally dedicated, with outstanding attendance and engagement. She consistently produces high-quality work and demonstrates a genuine passion for butchery, often going above and beyond the programme requirements.”

Nikita completed her 21-month apprenticeship in just 15 months, achieving several elements at Pass with Excellence – a remarkable accomplishment, particularly given she had no prior experience in the trade.

Nikita’s talent has also been recognised nationally. In 2025, she competed in the Battle of the Butchers at The Dalziel Apprentice Butcher Competition, earning the Golden Cleaver Award, as well as Best Innovative Lamb Product and Best Innovative Beef Product. Most recently, her outstanding achievements were celebrated at the Luminate Apprenticeship Awards, where she was named Leeds City College’s Learner of the Year.

On her award, Nikita said: “Winning the Golden Cleaver Award at the Great Yorkshire Show was a huge moment for me. Competing against so many talented apprentices and being recognised was an honour.”

The apprenticeship has had a transformative effect on Nikita’s confidence and career prospects. Initially unsure of her abilities, she says: “Learning alongside people my age and experimenting with different cutting techniques at college made me feel a lot more confident at work.” Support from her team was crucial, ensuring she had access to practical sessions and guidance, which helped her complete the programme ahead of schedule.

Looking ahead, Nikita has ambitious plans. She has applied to join Team GB Butchery, aiming to compete at the World Butchers Challenge in Australia in 2028, and hopes to establish her own educational platform to support women in the butchery industry, creating equal opportunities and mentorship for the next generation.

Reflecting on her apprenticeship, Nikita is a strong advocate for the programme: “Apprenticeships provide invaluable learning opportunities, especially when employers may not have the resources to teach everything in-house. Being able to gain knowledge from tutors, peers, and practical experience is an amazing feeling.”

Nikita’s story is an outstanding example of dedication, skill, and ambition. Her achievements showcase the value of apprenticeships in developing the next generation of industry professionals, while her passion and drive make her an inspiring ambassador for butchers everywhere.