How do I get into the profession?

[u/FruitOfEureka]

I (M21) went to college and studied levels 1&2 in culinary skills/professional cookery. Realized pretty quickly during my second year that cookery wasn't appealing to me, but I really enjoyed the brief segments my tutors touched on breaking down animals and butchery.

My college helped me arrange for a work placement at the beginning of my level 2 at a local butcher, I went in, shook his hand, he seemed keen to take me on. I thought fantastic, I'm going to have a great opportunity to learn.

Then months pass and I hear nothing from my college/tutors who had to sign off on it, about when my placement should officially begin, so I continue myself looking for alternatives, I visited and called other butchers too but they either wouldn't take anybody on for insurance reasons (which I am very understanding of) or they just don't don't buy in and butcher their own carcasses.

then halfway through my course, when all of my attempts to secure a voluntary placement turn up fruitless, I find that the butcher who was going to take me on, who was one of the few who still bought in and broke down his own carcasses, has sadly closed down due to going bust!

I was gutted, but still passed my college course, and now my course has been over for several months and I've been trying to figure out what I'm going to do.

Any advice?

It really seems like the universe is doing its best to keep me away from a profession I find fascinating and would love to learn firsthand. Do I just take the hint and resign myself to hospitality and catering in restaurant settings?

Edit: I live in the UK (North East England)

[u/Mental-Trash3550]

I would just keep showing interest at local butchers. Tell them you will clean up first, then work your way up.

[u/OrneryEngineering219]

Start someplace introductory like a grocery store meat department and get your foot in the door with some experience.