First West Midlands cross college animal care skills competition hosted at Rodbaston College
February 2025
South Staffordshire College was hugely proud to host the first of many skills competitions for several West Midlands Colleges.
Rodbaston Animal Zone based at Rodbaston College played host to the first animal care skills competition which saw learners from South Staffordshire College, Dudley College, Halesowen College and Solihull College & University Centre come together for a day of friendly competition and skill-building.
The event featured a series of challenges for learners studying animal care at levels 1, 2, and 3, which included setting up and cleaning enclosures for rats and rabbits and creating enrichment activities for Rodbaston Animal Zones resident squirrel monkeys. These tasks allowed students to apply and refine the skills they have developed throughout their courses and showcase their professionalism and dedication.
The challenges were judged by Charlotte Gill from Lower Drayton Farm alongside animal care tutors from each of the participating colleges. The judges were looking for well-organised, functional enclosures and enrichment that accurately reflected the animals needs, clear and detailed explanations of material choices, creative yet suitable setups, and adherence to the time limit.
Huge congratulations to Paige Crighton Homer from South Staffordshire College who clinched second place in the Level 2 skills competition.
The judges commented that “Paige’s dedication and enthusiasm were evident throughout the competition. She approached the competition with a positive attitude, engaging fully in the task and showcasing her commitment to best practice. Paige demonstrated excellent hygiene practices, strong time management, and a deep understanding of animal welfare.
What truly set her apart was her ability to justify every decision, clearly linking her choices to the rabbit’s behavioural and physiological needs. Her confidence, professionalism, and attention to detail impressed the judges, highlighting her growing expertise in the field”.
Will Sibley, Curriculum and Resource Manager for animal care and vet nursing at South Staffordshire College said “We are thrilled to have hosted this event and to see the high level of skill and enthusiasm from all students taking part. It was inspiring to witness the commitment and passion these learners have for animal care and demonstrates the high skills the West Midlands has to offer the sector.”
The competition not only provided a platform for students to demonstrate their abilities but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the participating colleges.
Competition organiser, Katie Small, who is the Teaching and Learning Coach at South Staffordshire College said “It has been a privilege to organise and host the Animal Management Competition, the first of many events with West Midlands colleges. As a college, we are excited to continue our involvement in this skills collaboration across the West Midlands region and look forward to future opportunities for our learners”.
South Staffordshire College extends its thanks to Dudley College, Halesowen College, and Solihull College & University Centre for their participation and support.
Congratulations to all the learners who took part and made their colleges proud!
The squirrel monkeys have gained some fantastic new enrichment from the Level 3 enrichment competition which as you can see from the photos above – they love it!
