Apprenticeships
Become an Apprentice
Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.
As an apprentice you will:
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work alongside experienced staff
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gain job-specific skills
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get time for study related to your role (usually one day a week)
To begin training as an apprentice, you will need to be employed in a suitable position for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.
https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Our current apprenticeship vacancies can be found here.
Please be aware that you will need to create an account before you can apply for an apprenticeship using this service.
Current Apprenticeship Vacancies
Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary nursing is the supportive care of animals receiving treatment within a veterinary practice. A veterinary nurse works as a member of the veterinary team, providing expert nursing care for sick animals. Veterinary nurses also play a significant role in educating owners on maintaining the health of their pets. They carry out technical work and are skilled in undertaking a range of diagnostic tests, medical treatments and minor surgical procedures, under veterinary direction. Veterinary Nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice defined by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/the-role-of-the-rcvs/
During this apprenticeship, you will cover the following knowledge:
Legislative compliance and regulatory requirements, Comparative functional anatomy for veterinary nursing practice, Infection control in veterinary practice, Materials, equipment and resources, Veterinary Nursing Care, Emergency and critical care, Diagnostic techniques for veterinary nurses, Communication, Self-Management
Skills:Legislation affecting practice, Communication, Clinical skills, Self-Management, Professionalism
Behaviours: Work within legal and ethical limits, Accountability, Responsibility, Self-improvement
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs that must include Maths, English and Science of grade C/4 and above or equivalent.
Duration
Typically 30 – 36 months
Upon achieving this apprenticeship standard, you will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the RCVS
Dog Grooming
Show that you have the skills to work effectively with animals with a diploma in Work-based Animal Care.
This apprenticeship framework covers the skills you need to work in dog grooming.
This level is ideal if you have some knowledge and you want to prove your competence in your role, likely to help you move from a junior to senior position. You may also be looking for a qualification to prepare you for progression to Level 3 qualifications.
Animal Care Level 2 Entry Requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to enter the Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in Animal Care, however, there are qualifications or experience that will help learners understand the sector prior to starting:
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Voluntary experience within the animal care industry or have previously worked in, or are currently working within, the industry
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Level 1 Diploma in Animal Care
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Level 1 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care
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Level 1 Award in Practical Small Animal Skills
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Level 1 Certificate in Practical Small Animal Skills Units taken as part of foundation learning
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GCSEs/A levels.
Animal Care & Welfare Assisant
Animal Care and Welfare Assistants look after the routine day to day husbandry and care of domestic and/or wild animals under guidance 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 take responsibility for themselves, animals and others.
Typical job roles include: kennel/cattery assistant; animal technician, animal welfare assistant; animal day care assistant; animal collection officer; wildlife rehabilitation assistant; pet retail assistant, animal handler, farm park assistant.
You will need to achieve the core skills and knowledge, behaviours listed in the standards below and one option from the following list:
Animal Interaction and Handling, Rehoming; Movement and Transportation; Operational/Reception Duties; Breeding; Working Dog Handler; Wildlife Rehabilitation
Entry Requirements: GCSE grade C/4 or above in English, mathematics and science is preferred but not essential. Apprentices with lower grades will need to study towards Functional Skills in English and Maths during their programme.
Duration: Minimum 12 months, typically 18 months