Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship

Role Profile

Animal Care and Welfare Assistants look after the routine day to day husbandry and care of domestic and/or wild animals under guidance in a variety of different 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 the transportation of animals. Animal Care and Welfare Assistants must have a strong work ethic and be prepared to work irregular hours in all weather conditions. They must maintain safe working practices and taking responsibility for themselves, animals and others.

Course Information

An Animal Care and Welfare Assistant will require a comprehensive understanding of:

UK and EU Animal related legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines, Codes of Practice and ethics relevant to the workplace and the health and welfare of animals
Signs that indicate potential problems with animals’ health and welfare and the actions that should be taken
The types of basic medication, routes of administering medication, safe handling and disposal of medication and animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care
Accommodation and environment requirements that are suitable and safe for animals including the use of different cleaning materials and equipment
Feeding, watering and basic nutrition and characteristics of foodstuffs
How to safely approach/handle/restrain/move animals
The behaviours of the animal, applicable to the species and how it impacts its care and welfare such as stress/distress/pain/fear/frustration
How the animal you are working with learns and the basic principles of re-enforcement techniques
How an animal’s natural behaviour impacts its diet and feeding patterns
Different skin and coat care requirements of animals in their care including basic anatomy and physiology
Basic reproduction and obstetrics and reproductive behaviour, including neutering
The changing needs of animals’ dependent on their life stage
Basic awareness of capture techniques
Hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine, zoonoses, anthroponosis, isolation protocols

End Point Assessment

End-Point Assessment is the final test for apprentices during their apprenticeship. It is designed to be an objective and impartial assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours. At the end of an apprenticeship, the apprentice will go through a 'gateway' process where they are signed-off by their employer and training provider as ready for a final assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. The assessment will be conducted and graded by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation.

End Point Assessment Consists Of:

Review of behaviours evaluation log - Apprentice behaviour evaluated on 3 occasions
Synoptic assessment test (SAT) - Achieved through workplace observation. Supervised by Assessor, observed by External Assurer.
Vocational competence discussion - Determines how much apprentice understands role. Conducted under test conditions.
Scenario case study - Apprentice transfers knowledge and skills to a prescribed situation, under test conditions

Entry Requirements

5 GCSE’s (grade 4+), or equivalent in English, Maths and Science.
Apprentices without a level 2 English and mathematics will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their apprenticeship.
Maths and English are a vital part of your apprenticeship and can really support your progression on your chosen course. If you do not already hold the described levels of Maths and English we have a friendly and experienced team of lecturers who can support you throughout and who will arrange exams once you are ready. We deliver Functional Skills in a variety of ways including classroom based and also using an online platform.

Progression

Typical job roles include after completion include: kennel/cattery assistant; animal technician, animal welfare assistant; animal day care assistant; animal collection officer; wildlife rehabilitation assistant; zoo keeper assistant, pet retail assistant, animal handler, veterinary care assistant, farm park assistant.