Animal Care Apprenticeship - 2012:13
| Please note, fees are based on academic year 2011-12 and are intended as a guide only. We will update this information for 2012-13 as soon as we have it and accordingly to government funding and guidelines. |
Why Study Here Merrist Wood College which has excellent training resources, including a small mammal collection, a reptile house, birds of prey, dog grooming, our own reindeer, a range of farm animals etc. The College also has close links with many key figures within the animal care industry. Further learning resources include the library's extensive collection of books, magazines and periodicals.
Suitable For Anyone interested in the care of small animals.
Application Method Application followed by individual interview
Entry Requirements You should be working in the industry and interested in developing your skills. Good GCSEs are an advantage.
Content / Overview Many consider work in the animal care industry as one of the most fulfilling roles within the land-based sector, offering opportunities from working in large kennels and catteries to training guide dogs for the blind and dog handling within the armed forces.
Generally, work in this industry deals with the health, welfare, handling and supervision of small animals – whether that’s working in a zoo or wildlife park, or for the RSPCA. It’s a dedicated profession, as animals need to be looked after 365 days a year.
As an apprentice, you could find yourself working in many settings and with a range of different animals. You could be grooming dogs; looking after animals in a pet shop, kennel or cattery; assisting the breeding of pedigree animals; training guide dogs; or even taking care of exotic animals in a zoo or wildlife park.
Your Apprenticeship will vary depending on your employer, but you could learn about health checking; basic animal training; transporting animals; feeding, watering and exercising animals; advising customers and owners; or maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
Delivery Method Training is delivered in the workplace and an assessor will monitor your progress and conduct assessments in the workplace.
Assessment Continuous assessment throughout the course in the workplace, through the creation of a portfolio of evidence and a technical certificate. An assessor will visit your workplace regularly to assess your progress.
Progression Merrist Wood College offers a range of animal management courses, up to Foundation Degrees and Degrees in Animal Management or Animal Behaviour and Welfare.
All students aged 19 years or over on 1 September in the first year of their course are expected to pay tuition, registration, exam fees and all other course related costs. Some assistance with these costs may be available depending on your circumstances and the latest government funding position. There are normally no tuition, registration or examination fees to pay if you are aged 16-18 on 1 September in the first year of your course and are a British or European Union resident. This does not apply to HNCs/Ds, Foundation Degrees, Degrees or courses that do not attract government funding.
More information on fees and financial help More information on international student fees