Course overview

Is it your dream to work with animals and gain a qualification to further your career? If so, an Animal Care Apprenticeship could be the right choice for you!

Animal Care and Welfare Assistants look after the day to day care of domestic and/or wild animals, under supervision and guidance.

Working with animals is often carried out individually or as part of a team in places such as kennels and catteries, animal welfare centres, farm parks, rehabilitation centres, retail outlets, laboratories, and in the transportation of animals.

As an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, you need a strong work ethic and be prepared to work irregular hours, in all weather conditions (depending on your work environment). You must maintain safe working practices and take responsibility for themselves, animals and others.

As an apprentice you’ll:

· learn and train for a specific job

· get paid and receive holiday leave

· get hands-on experience in a real job

· study for at least 20% of your working hours with us

· complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship

· be on a career path with lots of future potential

You will need to achieve the core knowledge, skills and behaviours and one option from the following list:

Options: Animal Interaction and Handling, Rehoming; Movement and Transportation; Operational/Reception Duties; Breeding; Working Dog Handler; Wildlife Rehabilitation, Veterinary Care Support.

Typical job roles include: kennel/cattery assistant; animal technician, animal welfare assistant; animal day care assistant; animal collection officer; wildlife rehabilitation assistant; zoo keeper assistant, pet retail assistant, animal handler, veterinary care assistant, farm park assistant.

This course has day release every two weeks, with additional English and/or Maths delivery as required. Your apprenticeship will last for a minimum of 12 months. Typical apprenticeships last between 13-18 months including your final assessments.

The apprenticeship is delivered online and in face to face sessions. Your personal dedicated tutor will also meet with you regularly to support you through your journey with SS&L.

Course assessment

All apprentices will complete End Point Assessment (EPA)

Course progression

When you complete your apprenticeship you will have the knowledge, skills, behaviours and practical experience needed to work in an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant role.

A possible course following your apprenticeship may be the Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Work-based Animal Care. For this role you need to be working in a supervisory or managerial position.