ANIMAL CARE AND WELFARE MANAGER APPRENTICESHIP

Animal Care and Welfare Managers supervise and undertake the routine day-to-day husbandry and care of domestic and/or wild animals in a variety of settings. The work is carried out individually or as part of a team in places such as kennels and catteries, laboratories, animal welfare centres, farm parks, rehabilitation centres, retail outlets and in settings responsible for the transportation of animals.

Animal Care and Welfare Managers must have a strong work ethic, strong communication skills and be prepared to work irregular hours in all weather conditions. They must maintain safe working practices and take responsibility for themselves, animals and others.

You will complete your Apprenticeship with a suitable animal welfare and care employer, working in a supervisory role such as:

• Animal care supervisor
• Animal welfare manager
• Retail manager
• Kennel and cattery manager
• Dog grooming stylist
• Farm park supervisor
• Rehabilitation supervisor
• Animal training supervisor
• Assistant animal welfare, training or rehabilitation manager
• Senior animal technician

Length of Programme

Typically, 18 months plus three months’ End Point Assessment period.

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including English and Maths
• Suitable and relevant experience working with a range of animals
• A strong work ethic and good communication skills

You should be working in a supervisory role – or working towards it – for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

The apprentice will follow a training programme to complete the apprenticeship requirements and meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for them to be fully competent:

• The apprentice will work and train with the employer and/or training provider
• The apprentice will create and maintain a mandatory portfolio in order to provide supporting evidence that will be needed to supplement the knowledge, skills and behaviours observed by the Independent Assessor at the End Point Assessment. The portfolio will be used as evidence for the professional discussion.
• A record of off-the-job training – this is training that must occur for a minimum of 20% of the time the apprentice is paid to work and is training delivered outside of their normal working duties – to develop a wider understanding of the industry.

The qualification consists of learning including:

• Animal care legislation and policies
• Animal welfare, health and husbandry
• Animal behaviour and learning
• Animal accommodation and transportation
• Preventative care and biosecurity
• Health and safety
• Working business practices including KPIs, resources and budget allocation
• Customer relationships and interpersonal skills
• Supervisory strategies and people management
• Personal development
• Workplace behaviours

Learning will take place in a variety of ways, which could include workplace training, formal courses, work shadowing, industrial visits, research, self-study, attendance at College for classroom/workshop activities, and time spent completing assignments set by the assessor.

The apprentice will undertake their End Point Assessment when the employer, training provider and apprentice all consider that they are ready to do so.  This stage of the apprenticeship is known as the gateway and will not be reached until the apprentice has completed the entirety of their portfolio and required off-the-job training hours, typically no earlier than 12 months.

The End Point Assessment will be carried out by an independent assessor and will be made up of a practical observation (three hours) and a professional discussion informed by the completed portfolio.

You will attend DCG’s Broomfield Campus for one day a week.

You will be expected to undertake off-the-job training within the workplace and spend time completing additional work and evidence towards your portfolio.

You will be required to wear PPE in the workplace, and in College during practical tasks. You will also be required to bring along writing materials e.g. books, pens and a laptop to enable you to complete your learning.

This Apprenticeship is graded fail, pass, merit or distinction.

Following completion of your Apprenticeship, you could be employed full time in a supervisory role within the animal care industry, or you may progress to higher education and complete a Level 4+ qualification such as a BSc or FdSc degree.

Employment may include roles such as:

• Animal care supervisor
• Animal welfare officer
• Retail manager
• Kennel and cattery manager
• Dog grooming stylist
• Farm park supervisor
• Rehabilitation officer
• Animal training officer
• Senior animal technician

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk