Technical Certificate in Animal Care Level 2

This qualification has been designed to develop the knowledge and skills to prepare you for employment within an animal care setting.

The qualification includes units that will give an understanding of the following:

• Maintain animal health and welfare
• Animal feeding and accommodation
• Animal behaviour and handling
• Working in the animal care industry
• Health & safety
• The principles of animal biology
• Care of exotic animals
• Caring for zoo animals

You will be assessed by:

• Multiple choice health and safety exam
• Multiple choice theory exam
• A synoptic exam
• Written assessments
• Practical assessments.

A synoptic is an assessment where through use of your practical skills and knowledge you can show what you have learned throughout the year. You will be allowed to research and make notes to take into this exam to do the written elements (such as write a report, make a leaflet, make a care guide), which can be used in addition to a practical assessment.

Ideal if

You want to work with animals either directly hands- on or within wider allied services or businesses. Such as zookeeper, wildlife assistant, assistant warden, becoming self-employed and take on roles such as an animal trainer.

What to expect

You will be able to have hands-on experience with animal health and husbandry duties for the large variety of animals within the department. Animals including ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs to smaller mammals such as a mouse and hamster. We have a range of reptiles, including snakes, a tortoise and turtle, geckos and a bearded dragon. We even have small inverts such as snails, tarantulas, millipedes and a mantis!

What next

We offer progression onto the Advanced Technical Certificate in Animal Care. You could move into employment as an Animal Care worker within a range of settings including kennels and catteries, pet shops, welfare centres and riding stables.

Work Placement and Hours

Students are required to complete 150 hours of good quality work experience placement, to enhance their knowledge and skills across the variety of vocational roles such as Animal Care assistants, zookeeper assistants, groomers, rescue assistants.

Employer Engagement

Throughout the course, there will be opportunities of trips or professionals coming to the centre.  These could be to rescues centres, zoo trips, or specialists coming in to give you insight to what they do, so you can see what is out there for you and to develop your knowledge of the sector.

16-18 year old – Attendance days Monday and Wednesday 09:00 – 15:30

Term time only. The term starts in September and finishes in July.