The next step in your learning adventure

 

Our Animal Care Level 3 apprenticeship is the next step to developing your career working with animals.  Designed to support you as you progress and develop in your career, it focuses on the advanced knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to succeed.

“My apprenticeship has helped me broaden my future, and my learning capabilities”
Callum Picton, Animal Care Apprentice

 

  • The role of an Animal Care Level 3 apprentice

    The role is wide-ranging and the mandatory units cover:

    • Implementing, monitoring and evaluating plans for the health and welfare of animals.
    • Promoting, monitoring and maintaining health, safety and security of the workplace.
    • Planning the handling and restraint of animals.
    • Planning, supervising and controlling the movement of animals.
    • Planning accommodation.
    • Monitoring and evaluating the accommodation.

     

    The apprenticeship can be tailored to different specialisms including zoos and wildlife work, pet retail and animal training.

     

    All apprentices will be entering professional employment in this popular industry; receiving a contract of employment and being paid in line with the Apprentice National Minimum Wage and current Government guidance. Working in the animal care industry requires dedication and commitment, as well as learning and adhering to safe working practices.

  • Entry Requirements

    To apply for this apprenticeship you will need to be of school leaver age and there is no upper age limit.

    If a prospective apprentice has worked for more than twelve months in their current role, typically they will be enrolled onto an advanced Level 3 apprenticeship due to their existing knowledge and experience.

    If you are unsure if you can apply, please just contact our friendly team to discuss.

  • Maths, English & ICT

    Essential Skills are a mandatory part of the apprenticeship programme in Wales.  In this apprenticeship maths, English and ICT will therefore be included in the delivery of the programme; unless you have achieved the desired grade.

    For this apprenticeship Essential Skills are taken at Level 2.

    These are split into Communication (English), Application of Number (maths) and Digital Literacy (ICT).

    You would be prepared for all elements of the Essential Skills by your Trainer-Coach.

  • Teaching, learning and assessment

    You will be regularly assessed in the workplace by your Trainer-Coaches with testimonies from your Employer/Trainer. Case studies, pictures/videos and some written assignments/workbooks may also be used by your Trainer-Coach to check your knowledge and understanding.

  • What are the next steps in your career?

    If you want to move across into different areas of animal welfare our recruitment team can help you apply for apprenticeship vacancies we already have. In your career with animals, there’ll be scope to move up the ladder, across sectors and it can even take you abroad.  Each assigned Trainer-Coach will be there to help their apprentice decide on the next step that is right for them.

There are various pathways you can choose to pursue depending on the type of career you wish to progress into and what your chosen employer can offer.  You’ll need to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to complete the apprenticeship, for whichever option you choose.

The pathways that can be chosen are outlined on the tabs here.

This pathway is for those who look after the routine day to day husbandry and care of domestic, agricultural or captive animals. The work is carried out in places such as kennels, catteries, animal welfare centres, farm parks, rehabilitation centres, retail outlets.

This pathway provides the opportunity to pursue a career looking after a range of animals or freshwater and marine life. It provides the skills and knowledge needed to help manage the care of zoo animals and aquaria.

This pathway is for those who groom a range of dog breeds and certain coat types. This is a sought-after apprenticeship that develops the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to be fully competent in dog grooming.

This pathway is for those working with a range of animals, from small mammals and birds, to fish and reptiles. It covers animal health and welfare needs, how to assist members of the public, manage stock and understanding of pet care products.

This pathway provides an understanding of animal welfare and legislation, practical experience and the implementation of training programmes, for those interested in animal training roles within the animal care industry.

  • Pathways

    There are various pathways you can choose to pursue depending on the type of career you wish to progress into and what your chosen employer can offer.  You’ll need to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to complete the apprenticeship, for whichever option you choose.

    The pathways that can be chosen are outlined on the tabs here.

  • Animal Care & Welfare

    This pathway is for those who look after the routine day to day husbandry and care of domestic, agricultural or captive animals. The work is carried out in places such as kennels, catteries, animal welfare centres, farm parks, rehabilitation centres, retail outlets.

  • Zoos & Wildlife

    This pathway provides the opportunity to pursue a career looking after a range of animals or freshwater and marine life. It provides the skills and knowledge needed to help manage the care of zoo animals and aquaria.

  • Dog Grooming

    This pathway is for those who groom a range of dog breeds and certain coat types. This is a sought-after apprenticeship that develops the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to be fully competent in dog grooming.

  • Pet Care & Retail

    This pathway is for those working with a range of animals, from small mammals and birds, to fish and reptiles. It covers animal health and welfare needs, how to assist members of the public, manage stock and understanding of pet care products.

  • Animal Training

    This pathway provides an understanding of animal welfare and legislation, practical experience and the implementation of training programmes, for those interested in animal training roles within the animal care industry.