Skills for Working Life Diploma in Landbased Studies
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Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care
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Overview
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of Animal Care and relevant practical skills, in order to gain employment in this sector. Units include: Maintain Animal Health and Welfare, Practical Animal Feeding. Maintain Animal Accommodation and Undertake Work Related Experience in the Land Based Industries, Understand the Basic Principles of Animal Biology, Introduction to the Principles of Animal Behaviour and Handling and Contribute to the care of Exotic Animals, Zoo Husbandry.
During the course learners will be expected to secure and complete 80 hours of work experience with a relevant employer. A further 80 hours will be completed on the college practical unit. This will be arranged by the learner with support from the college where possible.
Course Content - What will I learn?
You will learn a range of practical skills that you will need when working with animals. You will also have theory sessions to back up your understanding in a range of areas. For example: handling a range of animals safely, health checking a range of animals, giving oral medication, feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining accommodation, understanding some of the diseases and disorders that animals suffer from, knowing some basic behavioural signs to watch out for, having basic knowledge of legislation in the animal care industry and a practical understanding of how this affects you.
Am I right for the course?
Candidates should be able to demonstrate a passion for working with animals as a career and preferably experience with looking after animals/pets. Written and practical assessments are carried out throughout the year and so a sustained and committed attitude to your work is essential. Attendance and punctuality are also essential for the overall success on your programme.
Three GCSEs at Grade 3 or Grade D or above to include English, Maths and Science or a Level 1 in a relevant subject.
The course is assessed by a mixture of practical task assessments, written assignments and presentations. Individual tasks can be completed at Pass, Merit or Distinction level and these will be combined to give an overall Unit grade. The this is averaged to calculate an overall qualification grade.
Work will be required of you at home as well as at college. During your Work Experience unit you will also be closely assessed by an animal care professional.
Candidates will also complete Functional Skills in both English and Maths. Or a GCSE in English or Maths (if you have a grade D in English and or Maths you will retake one GCSE alongside your level 2 qualification).
The course teaching team have worked in a range of environments within the animal industry e.g. veterinary surgeries, animal welfare charities, kennels, wildlife parks, zoos and farms. They hold a variety of qualifications, including Degrees in Wildlife Conservation, Animal Science, Zoo Keeping and Veterinary Nursing, and are all qualified teachers.
What Next?
Successful completion may lead to progression to: A job in the animal care industry – at a variety of establishments. Progression to the Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management – dependant on qualifications and references or further education and training in related subjects.
For those of you wanting to go into employment, the aim of our course(s) are to produce competent carers working with animals, with the potential to take up management positions after further experience.
Potential careers:
- Animal Technician
- Applied Animal Behaviourist
- Assistance Dog Trainer
- Dog Groomer
- Dog Trainer
- Farm Worker (Livestock)
- Kennel Worker
- RSPCA/ SSPCA Inspector
- Veterinary Nurse
- Zoo Keeper
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Fees
16-18 years old, no tuition fees apply to Full Time courses and fees subject to confirmation. Additional costs applicable to BHS courses.
For all two year courses fees shown above are per year.
Aged 19+ and planning to take a level 3 or above a different fee may apply. You may be eligible for an Advanced Learning Loan.
All HE courses (full and part time) are subject to tuition fees.
In need of more advice?
Contact our Admissions team to find out more about student fees and how they might apply to you.
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