This course is for school students, where the school has agreed to fund the placement.
The BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Animal Care (601/4530/4)* has been developed to provide an engaging introduction to the animal care sector, a vital sub-sector within the land-based industry and the UK economy.
Students will have the opportunity to learn the technical knowledge and skills needed in the industry, developing their skills in our purpose-built animal care unit which houses small mammals, wallabies, meerkats, alpacas, exotics and much more.
This course is delivered over two years, starting in Year 10, and students will study at Broomfield Hall one day a week.
*qualification featured on the DfE KS4 Performance Tables
There are no formal entry requirements, you just need a strong interest in working with animals.
You will be assessed during the first term at College to ensure this is the most suitable course for you, with fall-back options available.
You will need to complete two mandatory units:
Weighting: 25% of the course
Assessment: External examination
Weighting: 25% of the course
Assessment: Internal
You will also need to complete two optional units from the following:
Weighting: 25% of the course
Assessment: Internal
Weighting: 25% of the course
Assessment: Internal
Weighting: 25% of the course
Assessment: Internal
Students will be assessed through a mixture of internal assignments and an external examination.
All four units must be successfully completed to gain this qualification.
Students must wear steel toe-cap boots or wellies and a labcoat (purchased through Derby College Group) for practical sessions. During the winter months, a warm coat for outdoor practical sessions is also advised. You will be required to supply your own writing materials.
Further Study
Upon completion of the qualification, and depending on the grades achieved and other qualifications achieved, students may wish to progress to:
You will be able to access advice and guidance while studying at the College to learn more about the post-16 opportunities available for you.
Careers
Further study can lead to a variety of careers, including:
For more information, email the 14-16 team at 14-16@derby-college.ac.uk
Carla Davies came to Derby College to re-train as a dog groomer and is now fulfilling her dream of working with animals after securing a part-time job at Kennel Gate in Nottingham. As part of her course, she was matched to the job opportunity through the College’s pioneering recruitment service established with the REED NCFE Partnership.
They alerted Carla – who had been an office worker since leaving school – to the job opportunity and helped her with her CV and interview techniques.
When I heard about the job opportunities and support available through the REED NCFE team, I decided to go for it and was over the moon when I was offered the job. It is a dream come true and I have also returned to Derby College for an evening course to gain more qualifications in dog grooming.