iPET Network awarded grant funding to help support development of a series of animal-related qualifications

In an effort to offer accessible qualifications in growth industries, including Dog Grooming and Animal Care, iPET Network has received funding from Qualifications Wales’ Welsh Language Support Grant to create five new qualifications.

The qualifications that will be available bilingually are:

• iPET Network Level 1 Award in Preparing for Work in Dog Grooming

• iPET Network Level 2 Diploma Animal Care and Management

• iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid

• iPET Network Level 3 Award in Equine Emergency First Aid

• iPET Network Level 2 Award in First Aid for Dogs

The qualifications will enable learners for whom Welsh is their preferred language to have the opportunity to learn and complete the qualifications in Welsh. With the support of iPET Networks approved Training Providers, the qualifications will be designated for funding allowing those who can teach and train in Welsh the option to register learners.

Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty, founders of iPET Network, said: “We are so thrilled to be offering these new qualifications in Wales, and hope that more colleges sign up to deliver them.

“The largest development in education offering for the sector will be the roll out of the iPET Network Level 2 Diploma Animal Care and Management. Development of this qualification started over two years ago taking feedback from colleges of how the current qualifications being delivered could be improved. We always like to be different, so we have created all the workbooks, assessment documentation and resources to support effective delivery of this new qualification.”

“As well as being more accessible for those who’s preferred language is Welsh, the qualifications are far more based on becoming ready for work than anything else out there and smaller qualifications to support additional learning.”

Dr. Alex Lovell, Qualifications Manager at Qualifications Wales, said: “We are pleased to have awarded grant funding to iPET Network to ensure that these brand-new qualifications will be available in both Welsh and English from the point of first delivery.

“Providing an active and equal offer to learners in Wales from the outset reflects best practice and increases the likelihood that learners will take up new qualifications in Welsh.

“We are grateful to iPET Network for working collaboratively with us in our work to increase the availability of Welsh-medium qualifications.”