Animal Care Level 2

Learn the professional skills necessary to understand the behaviours and enhance the welfare of a broad collection of animals, from common domestic pets to exotic reptiles and birds.

This programme is designed to give you a good understanding of how to care for animals, developing your practical skills and helping you to appreciate the extent of this vibrant and growing industry. Learning will be through a combination of classroom-based and practical workshops utilising the campus’s fully-equipped animal care unit. There will be opportunities to visit animal care organisations, including wildlife parks, zoos and small businesses. You will also be involved with our unique ‘Careers Week’ which aims to inspire you and provide the opportunity to meet a variety of employers. Also included will be the opportunity to take part in activities designed to enhance your experiences of this industry, such as Wolf Watch UK, beach cleans, an annual dog show and other events. Learners will have the opportunity to gain a recognised First Aid qualification along with other experiences designed to improve employability skills.

Qualification City & Guilds Level 2 Technical Diploma in Animal Care

Duration One year

Course Content A selection of unit titles is shown below: • Maintain Animal Health & Welfare • Animal Feeding and Accommodation • Working in the Animal Care Industry • The Principles of Animal Biology • Animal Behaviour and Handling • Kennels and Catteries • Animal Breeds and Grooming

Assessment is continuous, with end of module exams, a synoptic assessment and a range of practical and written assignments. This course includes 150 hours of work experience gained from working one day a week in our animal care unit and along with a placement within an industry setting. All full-time students are required to study maths and English to at least GCSE level. Please see page 6 for more details.

Entry Requirements • Four GCSEs at grade 3 (grade D) or above (to include maths, science and English) or successful completion of a suitable and relevant Level 1 qualification at Distinction grade • Successful interview and initial assessment in literacy and numeracy • Applicants will be expected to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the chosen subject area

Progression Progression routes shown below are dependent on successful completion of qualifications and meeting entry criteria.

Study options may include: • Level 3 Technical Diploma in Animal Management • Animal Care Apprenticeship

Employment options may include: • Kennels or Catteries • Animal Sanctuaries • Pet Shops

You may also like... • Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care • Level 3 Technical Diploma in Animal Management • Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture

Course Costs Please note, the costs given below are subject to change. Aged 16-18 years There are no tuition or examination fees | Materials Fee £180

Aged 19 or over (at the start of the course) Tuition Fee £945 | Materials Fee £180 | Registration/Exam Fee £160. We also offer the following apprenticeships as an alternative to full-time study: • Animal Care, Levels 2 and 3

Course Content As an employed apprentice you will gain practical skills along with knowledge and understanding relevant to your chosen course, including: • Cleaning & Maintaining Animal Accommodation • Providing Feed & Water to Animals • Promoting & Maintaining the Wellbeing of Animals • Grooming animals • Handling & Restraining Animals • Training Animals

Duration and Attendance You will spend most of your time in the workplace employed as an apprentice. There will be knowledge workshops planned within your course. You will be expected to attend functional skills classes unless you already have prior achievement. Duration is 12-24 months depending on the level of study.