Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship

The broad purpose of the dog groomer occupation is to complete an end-to-end maintenance groom on a range of dog breeds and coat types. The role includes assessing health, bathing, drying, brushing and trimming a diverse range of dogs. The dog groomer will take into account dogs with wire, wool, smooth, double and silky coats and those with a combination coat. Dog groomers will use their breed knowledge to produce a grooming plan and select appropriate techniques to handle, bath, dry, brush and trim. Nail trimming will also be carried out. 

A dog groomer will have responsibility for meeting the dog’s welfare needs during grooming. They will recognise signs and symptoms of ill health including those relating to skin, coat condition and hereditary diseases. They will also identify potential causes and indicators of stress during the groom. They will adapt their approach and handling techniques. They will select equipment and products to meet the needs of the specific dog. They will also understand canine behaviour. 

The dog groomer will provide customer service from the point of drop-off through to collection. They will gather information from the client to support the grooming process and provide maintenance advice to the owner following the groom: for example, regarding the frequency of brushing to maintain good coat condition or the correct brush types to use.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation will interact with dog grooming stylists, salon managers and customers. They may work with veterinary professionals, service and product suppliers and manufacturers. They may liaise with other animal care professionals and industry bodies too. Dog groomers may work under the supervision of a stylist or salon manager. They may also work as part of a larger team. They will share technical knowledge with their peers and will support newly appointed dog groomers or volunteers.

Length of programme

53 weeks prior to the End Point Assessment Gateway

Please see the Institute for Apprenticeships website for further information:

Dog groomer / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

• Some experience volunteering or working within the animal care sector including with dogs
• Good work ethic
• Be in employment and be committed to your career
• Three GCSEs at grade D/3 or above including English and Maths

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.

Criteria

Please see the Institute for Apprenticeships website for further information

Dog groomer / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

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 at least 12 months on the programme. 

The End Point Assessment will be carried out by an independent assessor and will be made up of a practical observation (2 hours) and a professional discussion informed by the completed portfolio.

Did you know?  

While studying this programme you will build upon your own sustainability and digital skills which will be embedded throughout your time at Derby College Group.  For sustainability, we envisage you will become attuned to supporting the Net Zero strategic plans and will be able to embed this into your daily life through recycling, awareness of product sourcing and reducing carbon emissions.  Your digital skills will grow through the use of key technological platforms, app usage and awareness of current trends such as AI to support your learning.

The apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace and on-site at Broomfield Hall one day per week. 

You need PPE for the workplace and writing materials.

End Point Assessment Gradings

This qualification is graded Fail, Pass or Distinction.

Functional Skills

Before taking the End Point Assessment, apprentices must

• Have or achieve Level 1 English and Maths Functional Skills (equivalent to GCSE grades D to G)
• Have or take the test for Level 2 English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE grades A* to C)

Further Study

You can progress to a full-time Level 3 in Animal Care programme or a further apprenticeship programme.

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