Level 3 Apprenticeship: Keeper and Aquarist

The role of a Zoo Keeper or Aquarist will include:

• Interpreting diet sheets, preparing and delivering animal feeds
• Servicing, cleaning and managing animal environments
• Providing species-specific habitats and routines for animals in line with their natural history
• Observing and understanding animal behaviour, animal health and welfare, recording and reporting findings
• Checking enclosure and other work areas for potential or existing hazards
• Engaging with visitors and stakeholders, tailoring information to the audience

Keepers and aquarists assist with and adhere to best practice, law, protocols and procedures within zoological collections and the wider industry in relation to animal husbandry, welfare, transportation and work health and safety. They will learn about and understand the role of key stakeholders in their area of work.

Length of Programme

24 months including a three-month End Point Assessment period. An apprenticeship end date and employment end date will be discussed and agreed upon signing up to an apprenticeship.

Essential:

• Experience volunteering or working within the animal care/zoo sector
• A good work ethic and practical ability to care for species
• Three GCSEs at grade C/4 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.

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 (if applicable, employer dependent) 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 and has completed at least 24 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 (up to four hours) and a 90-minute professional discussion informed by the completed portfolio. The apprentice will also complete a ten-minute experience video.

Further information about Apprenticeships can be found on the Skills England website.

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 with taught sessions from Derby College Group (employer dependent, to be discussed).

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 need writing and note-taking materials. The employer will provide PPE and uniform.

Portfolio

You will undertake a portfolio of evidence whilst completing your apprenticeship.

Off-the-job training

You must complete the required hours of off-the-job training and ensure that this is logged on OneFile to be able to complete your End Point Assessment.

End Point Assessment gradings

This qualification is graded Fail, Pass or Distinction.

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 and has completed at least 24 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 (up to four hours) and a 90-minute professional discussion informed by the completed portfolio. You will also complete a ten-minute experience video.

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

Employment may include roles such as:

• Zoological supervisor
• Zoological officer
• Research administrative assistant
• Zoological supervisor
• Assistant zookeeper
• Zoo training officer
• Senior zoological technician
• Zoo ranger

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