We caught up with level 3 keeper and aquarist apprentice, Angela Gray, who details her path to fulfilling her childhood dream of working with animals. Angela is currently employed at Longleat Safari Park and proves that you can be any age to begin a rewarding and successful career.
Our keeper and aquarist apprenticeship offers people the opportunity to pursue a career looking after a wide range of animals or freshwater and marine life, whilst also gaining the skills and knowledge needed to help make a difference to the research and conservation of them.
What made you decide to pursue a career working in a zoo?
“After leaving school and raising a young family, I went into a career working with children and young people. Whilst that career was rewarding in its own way, I still had my childhood dream of working with animals very much in mind. During the covid pandemic I ended up working from home and realised that this was the perfect opportunity to make a change and work towards my dreams! I knew I had transferable skills, life experience and some animal experience from previous voluntary work with horses. To move into a career with animals, practical work experience is key, so I contacted Longleat to see whether they took on volunteers. It was then that Longleat told me about the apprenticeship scheme, and I just knew I had to be brave and go for it! ”
What is the best part of your apprenticeship?
“For me, the opportunity to earn whilst gaining vital experience necessary to become an animal keeper has been a game changer. My time at Longleat has been, and continues to be, incredible! Being an apprentice has meant that I have been able to work with and learn about a broad range of species.”
Do you find there are any challenges with your apprenticeship? If so, how do you overcome them?
“With every new opportunity there will be challenges. I think the key is to be passionate about the subject you are studying. Being a mature learner, I thought my age would be a challenge, however I have been blown away by the positive and professional reaction from my employer, trainer and colleagues. If an issue or problem does come up, I believe maintaining good communication is key to overcoming most challenges in life.”
What have you learnt on your apprenticeship that you will carry forward with you?
“The course content is interesting, relevant and useful! This knowledge will help me to continue developing my practice and hopefully be the best animal keeper I can be!”
How does your employer support you?
“My employers support me by facilitating the apprenticeship. They provide me with study time. The team leads/managers and my fellow keepers share their vast and valuable knowledge with me. They are keen for me to succeed and be the best keeper I can be, providing fantastic learning opportunities on a day-to-day basis. They encourage me to train and progress within the role.”
How does your Trainer Coach support you?
“Grace teaches me relevant, interesting and valuable course content that enables me to progress through the apprenticeship. Grace is there to talk to if I have an issue, need support or just want to share something interesting that’s happened. She gives me feedback on my work and guides me on this journey.”
What are your plans for the future?
“For me, as cheesy as it sounds this job is a life long dream come true. During my time at Longleat I have had the unique opportunity to work with and learn about a diverse range of species and learn from very knowledgeable people. Through these experiences I am developing a huge passion for all things carnivore. From the famous lions of Longleat to tigers, cheetahs, hyenas and wolves, I’m obsessed! I would love to specialise in this area, continuing to develop my skills and knowledge over time. I feel beyond lucky to work here. As well as being completely fascinating, these animals are important ambassadors for their wild counterparts. The role of an animal keeper not only focuses on taking care of the animals on a daily basis, but also to use the resources we have to facilitate vital breeding programmes for endangered species, informing people on the threats faced by wild animals all over the world and educating people how we can help secure their futures.”
Do you have any advice for perspective learners?
“Animal keeping is not an “easy” career path. You must be motivated to work hard in all weather, study and have a true passion for working with animals and people. If you have this, I encourage you to go for it! If you have enough drive and commitment, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
“This apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity to gain hands on experience and knowledge in the zoo and aquarium industries. Having the chance to work with a range of different animals, makes it an exciting and rewarding career choice.” Grace Goddard – Keeper and Aquarist Specialist, Haddon Training
If you would like more information on our level 3 keeper and aquarist apprenticeship, please contact us here.