Summary

This programme of study is aimed at providing learners with the underpinning knowledge and skills that are required to work practically within animal industry, with the ability to retake GCSE Maths and GCSE English if needed. The SEG/ABC Awards qualification is designed for 16+ learners who would like to progress into the animal care/management sector. This qualification suits learners who are seeking a more practical qualification training in a realistic work environment whist learning the supporting theory to uphold practical skills learnt. Learners wanting to access vocational sector employment rather than pursing higher education would be well suited to this qualification. As part of the study programme learner will study and be assessed on a wide range of units these units of study vary year to year to allow us to support learners to access the industry based on industry needs at the time. Units of study can include subjects such as promoting health and welfare of animals, monitoring and evaluating welfare, handling and restraining animals safely, managing animal accommodation, providing feed to animals, assessing suitability of environments, animal behaviour, management policies and working with others. Learners will be taught and assessed by staff with experience from many animal industry backgrounds, this enriches the students curriculum. As a team we share our expertise with the learners to allow them to achieve to their best potential. Students will also have access to our thriving animal academy supporting learners to engage in wider animal related subjects than their study programme, enriching their knowledge to enter industry when the time is right. This Level 3 course is based at our Stroud campus, in the centre of Gloucestershire, surrounded by the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The campus is a short walk from Stroud train station and easily accessible by bus.

How will I learn?

Learners will discuss their own SMART targets with their personal tutor and these will then be specifically designed to enable learners to progress onto a further Level Diploma 3 course. In order to review progress, learners will meet regularly with their personal tutor, and feedback on assessments will be provided by teaching staff. Students will engage in classroom based learning and practical training on our animal collection. Assessment will take place throughout the course in many forms including written assessments/tasks, essays, posters, presentations and practical assessments and individual and group work. Learners should be comfortable to undertake all of these to undertake this course. Feedback will be given verbally and in written format throughout the duration of the course.

Maths & English

As part of the ethos of upskilling our learners, opportunities to improve their maths and English will be identified in lessons and throughout the course.

Employability

Lessons are related to industry practice in order to enhance employability opportunities and learners will study an industry-related additional qualification as part of the study programme. Students will be trained in our high standard animal collection by dedicated staff that are industry professionals.

Work Experience

As part of your overall programme of study, learners will be required to undertake a period of work placement related to the field of employment they wish to enter. Students are responsible for securing a work placement for their chosen course of study, support as below will be given. Learners will start to gain their own professional identity in the industry by forging these connections. Our Work Placement Team will assist learners in gaining a placement and ensure that you are on track to achieve, whilst liaising with your course tutors to ensure that the opportunity to practice necessary employability skills is available at college.

What can I do next?

Learners who successfully complete the Certificate qualification may be able to progress to the Level 3 Diploma for an additional year of study. Alternatively, learners may be able to gain an apprenticeship in a related field, or progress into the industry. Upon completion of the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma students will be able to access the industry for employment or on some occasions access higher education or further training.

What are my career options?

Learners can find employment in kennels, catteries, pet stores, wildlife parks, dog grooming salons and zoological institutions. We would advise all learners to try and secure additional voluntary work in one of these areas alongside their work placement, as this could provide enhanced opportunities for employment upon course completion