Animal Care Entry Level

Studying for a vocational qualification is a practical option and you will learn from tutors who are industry specialists with great facilities. Animal Care students will be working in the Animal House with a wide range of different animals including meerkats and dogs.

You will learn how to care for them in a variety of ways; from animal health, nursing, kennel management, welfare, feeding and accommodation. You'll hear from guest speakers from across the industry and specialist areas such as exotics specialists and veterinary professionals who will share their wealth of experience and knowledge with you. Previously we have had people such as Rod Downie (Chief WWF Polar Advisor) who discussed career opportunities in the arctic and conservation of arctic species.

Whilst on the course you'll go out into real work environments including animal sanctuaries, pet shops, grooming parlours, animal charities and veterinary practices where you will gain invaluable experience. Previous activities have included: residentials on a working farm in Yorkshire, days working as a zookeeper at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, Crufts, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, The Deep, Lincolnshire Show and Flamingo Land. Learners get involved in our commercial activities and assist with Dog Grooming and in the Day Kennels, the onsite BlueCross Cattery.

When you do a vocational qualification you will learn in a workshop, salon or studio as appropriate for your subject and you will usually be assessed through practical assessments, projects, assignments and oral and written questions. There may be exams in some subjects and your tutor will prepare you for these.

No formal entry qualifications but subject to approval from the Foundation Learning Assessment Team.

Successful students may progress onto the next level in their chosen subject, into employment or an apprenticeship, or, after a level 3 qualification, to Higher Education at the University Centre Grimsby or another University.

Successful students may progress onto the next level in their chosen subject, employment or an apprenticeship, or after a level 3 qualification, to Higher Education at the University Centre Grimsby or other Universities. Courses in Animal Care in Higher Education can include: Animal Management, Animal Behaviour, Conservation and Ecology or Zoo Management.

Future Careers include: Animal rescue, Veterinary nursing, Veterinary nursing assistants, Animal training, Animal rescue, Zoo management, Pet shop management and education.