Roles in animal care are varied, with employees working to ensure the health, welfare and well-being of animals large and small in a variety of settings, so the importance of high-quality training can’t be underestimated.
At Kendal College, we are home to the UK’s first teaching animal rescue centre which houses surgical, imaging and intensive care facilities with learners being taught by former industry practitioners.
Our delivery is flexible around employees and businesses needs with teaching being carried out in the classroom, one-to-one and in the workplace. A full list of our apprenticeship courses can be found below:
Animal Care & Welfare Assistant, Level 2
Course Overview
Routine animal husbandry and care of domestic and/or wild animals, suitable for a variety of job situations such as kennel/cattery assistant, animal welfare assistant, wildlife rehabilitation assistant, animal handler, veterinary care assistant, pet retail assistant.
Entry Requirements
Voluntary experience within the animal care industry, Level 1 in Animal Care, three GCSE’s grade 3 or above.
Topics Covered
Animal health and welfare including first aid and preventative care, feeding and nutrition, handling & restraining animals, animal behaviour, animal anatomy and reproduction, plus optional topics.
Delivery
Training in the workplace, training and portfolio development in college.
Assessment
On programme portfolio assessment and observation. EPA practical assessment (observation) and Professional Discussion and review of the portfolio.
Start Date
Throughout the year
Duration
12 to 18 Months
Dog Groomer, Level 2
Course Overview
The broad purpose of the occupation is to complete an end-to-end maintenance groom on a range of dog breeds and coat types. Grooms include assessing the health, bathing, drying, brushing, and trimming a diverse range of dogs. The dog groomer will take into account dogs with wire, wool, smooth, double, silky coats, and those with a combination coat. Dog groomers will use their breed knowledge to produce a grooming plan and select appropriate techniques to handle, bath, dry, brush and trim. Nail trimming will also be carried out. A dog groomer will have responsibility for meeting the dog’s welfare needs during grooming.
Entry Requirements
Voluntary experience within the dog grooming industry, Level 1 in Animal Care or three GCSE’s grade 3 or above (to include English and Maths at grade 4 or above). Apprentices must also have access to an appropriate learning environment and a device with an internet connection where they can access remote learning and complete work to submit to their online portfolio. Apprentices will participate in a screening process for the apprenticeship before confirming their place on the course.
Delivery
Meetings are planned once a fortnight across the apprenticeship programme. Depending on the location of the apprentice these will either be all remote or a mix of online and face-to-face in college (to be agreed with the employer). These sessions will include training and portfolio development. Apprentices will also develop their skills in the workplace with support from the Employer.
Assessment
On programme portfolio assessment and observations in the workplace. The EPA practical assessment consists of an observation with questions in the workplace, an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, and a knowledge test at the end of the apprenticeship.
Start Date
September 2022
Duration
12 months + 3-month EPA (End-Point Assessment) period
Employer Incentive
If the apprentice is aged 16-18, the employer will receive an incentive of £1000
Keeper & Aquarist, Level 3
Course Overview
On programme portfolio assessment and observation. EPA practical assessment (observation) and Professional Discussion and review of the portfolio.
Entry Requirements
Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care or other animal-related subjects, suitable experience working with animals, 5 GCSE’s including one science subject at grade 4 or above, Intermediate apprenticeship in animal care.
Topics Covered
The course covers exhibit maintenance, feeding & diets, knowledge of habitats and species’ natural history, animal behaviour & population management, health and welfare of animals, working with visitors, research projects and the role of zoos in conservation.
Delivery
Teaching in the workplace, and teaching& portfolio development in college.
Assessment
On-programme portfolio assessment, & observation. EPA assessed by Multiple choice questions, Observation and Professional discussion based on a portfolio.
Start Date
Throughout the year
Duration
24 Months
