Fancy one of the most rewarding jobs in the world?
Does helping to rehabilitate wild animals sound like your dream job? How about being a Zoo Keeper Assistant? Ever thought about going into Veterinary Care? If caring for animals sounds like the ideal career for you, then read on! As an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, you’ll have all the skills you need to jump into any of these roles and more (see a full list of typical roles below). Being an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant goes beyond the day-to-day needs of animals; you’ll be responsible for keeping them happy as well as healthy. That means more than just feeding, watering, cleaning, and providing basic medical treatments. You’ll also be the one socialising them, exercising them and grooming them (and that just might involve cuddles if you’re lucky!). Sound interesting? Read on to find out what the Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship involves…
What are the entry requirements?
Each employer will have their own personal requirements for you to enter this apprenticeship, but as standard you will need Level 1 English and Maths to qualify and will then need to achieve Level 2 before your EPA (end-point assessment) – don’t worry though, there will be plenty of guidance for this along the way!
How long is the apprenticeship?
The minimum requirement for this apprenticeship is 12 months, but it typically lasts 18 months. However, the speed at which you progress through the training is personal to you, and you will receive coaching every step of the way to keep you on track for your EPA.
What qualification will I get?
At the end of your Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship, you will have a GCSE-equivalent qualification. This is an industry-recognised certification and is typically the only requirement you’ll need to start working as an Animal Care and Welfare Assistant (that, and a love of animals, of course!).
What careers opportunities can I expect?
Completing your Animal Care and Welfare Apprenticeship opens up a whole world of career paths for you! As you progress through your apprenticeship, you’ll be able to select a specialised option, such as Animal Interaction & Handling, to help you narrow these paths down. Below is a comprehensive list of the options you’ll have to select from, and the job roles that align with them:
| Options | Typical job roles |
|---|---|
| Animal Interaction & Handling | Animal Technician, Animal Welfare Assistant, Animal Day Care Assistant, Farm Park Assistant |
| Rehoming | Animal Welfare Assistant, Zoo Keeper Assistant |
| Movement and Transportation | Animal Collection Officer, Animal Technician, Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant |
| Operational/Reception Duties | Animal Welfare Assistant, Kennel/Cattery Assistant, Pet Retail Assistant, Animal Day Care Assistant |
| Breeding | Animal Welfare Assistant (Breeding Centre), Animal Technician, Zoo Keeper Assistant (Breeding Programme) |
| Working Dog Handler | Animal Handler, Security Dog Handler, Services Dog Handler, Search and Rescue Dog Handler |
| Wildlife Rehabilitation | Wildlife Rehabilitation Assistant, Zoo Keeper Assistant, Farm Park Assistant |
| Veterinary Care Support | Veterinary Care Assistant, Animal Welfare Assistant |
Want to get apprenticeship advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to our newsletter!
What will I learn on this apprenticeship?
While on your apprenticeship, you’ll gain an essential understanding of what is needed in order to be a successful Animal Care and Welfare Assistant. Some of the key things you will learn are:
- Current legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines, Codes of Practice and ethics relevant to the workplace and the health and welfare of animals
- How to recognise potential problems with animals’ welfare and health, and what actions to take
- Basic medications and animal first aid
- Accommodation and environment requirements
- The use of different cleaning materials and equipment
- Feeding, watering and basic nutrition
- How to safely approach, handle, move and restrain animals
- The behaviours and characteristic of various animals, species and breeds
- How to meet animals’ need for enrichment and exercise
- Different skin and coat care of animals
- Basic anatomy, physiology, reproduction and obstetrics
- Data Protection and records in line with legislation, codes of practice and workplace requirements
- Hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls
- Current and relevant health and safety guidelines
- How to identify and report biohazards and potential problems
- How to safely dispose of waste in line with current regulations
- How to monitor, record and report the health and welfare of animals
- How to properly store and care for foodstuffs
- Proper identification and descriptions of animals
- Deliver customer experience (internal and external), where applicable, in line with workplace policies and procedures
- How to work safely in your environment
- You’ll gain a strong work ethic
- You will take responsibility for your duties
- You’ll learn how to effectively work in a team
- Clear communication skills
- Professionalism
Conclusion
The Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship is the best way to jumpstart your career in animal care. Many graduates find this is just the first stepping stone for them in a long career of Animal Care and Welfare. Over the course of the apprenticeship, you’ll learn all the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to help you become an expert in animal care and welfare, equipping you with lifelong skills that you can really make your own and develop as you progress through your career.
This apprenticeship is the perfect way for you to learn the specialist skills required to care for animals all while getting a hands-on experience in the industry and earning while you do it!