Animal Care Level 1

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.

On this course you will develop skills including all aspects of animal care (exotic and non-exotic species,) starting your own business and skills required with accreditation from City and Guilds for practical competencies, animal health, kennel management, welfare, health and safety, 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 speak.

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 also get involved in our commercial activities and assist with Dog Grooming and in the Day Kennels, the onsite BlueCross Cattery.

Entry requirements for our courses depend on the specific requirements of each Programme of Study and an individual’s previous experience, which will all be discussed during the interview process. The following is a guide as to what you might be expected to achieve to gain entry on to a particular level of a course.

GCSEs grades 1-2 or E to G or equivalent, including Foundation Awards and Entry Level Certificates.

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.