School Leavers > Animal Care and Management

Animal Care – Level 1

Print this page

Courses Code

QF1AN

Study method

Full Time

Location(s)

Rodbaston

View courses

Print this page

Is this course for you?

If you have an interest in animals, then this is the perfect introductory course for you.

This year-long programme is all about preparing you for a career working in the animal care industry. You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when working with animals or in the wider animal care sector, or for progressing onto further study in this area.

You will be working with the animals at our on-site zoo, the Rodbaston Animal Zone, as well as with farm animals and horses. The course will focus on specific industry-related skills building on both practical and theory-based lessons and modules. The course will incorporate key topics with a variety of assessment methods including multiple choice exams, presentation tasks, research, and scenario-based tasks.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a City & Guilds Level 1 qualification in Land-based Studies (Animal Care).
Required qualifications

You will need to have a Grade 2 or above in both English and maths, or have passed a relevant Gateway qualification.
What skills will I develop?

You will develop your knowledge of the behavioural and care requirements of a wide variety of animal species, and these skills will be put into practice when working alongside the animals located on-site.

Over the course of the year, you can expect to cover the following units:
- Safe and effective working practices in the land-based industries
- Preparing to work in the land-based industries
- Assist with maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals
- Animals in the wild and their main features
- Assist with feeding and watering animals
- Assist with the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation
- Assist with the handling and restraint of animals
Careers

Throughout the course, we will look at the requirements needed for all job opportunities and give guidance on what you need to do next. This could be going straight into employment in junior roles such as working in pet shops and rescue centres or working as a stable assistant or farm assistant, or applying for the next level of qualification in areas such as Animal Care and Management or Veterinary Care and Nursing, which could then lead to a greater range of more diverse career opportunities.
Work experience

Throughout the year, you will be expected to complete a minimum of 60 hours of work experience with an external employer in a relevant industry setting. Please note that this is a mandatory part of the course and if you do not achieve this, you will fail the programme and not be allowed to progress.

It is advisable to obtain and begin your work experience placement at the beginning of your course. You will be responsible for sourcing your own work experience placement, however we can offer guidance where needed.

Former students have worked at places such as:
- Stables
- Farms
- Pet Shops
- Rescue Centres
You will be expected to complete work experience on one of the days that you are not in college each week, and will also be given a block week during the year where all students are expected to attend their placement from Monday to Friday, even if they have already completed their hours.

Work experience is designed to further develop and enhance the skills being taught at college and is an important part of the course ahead of starting your career.
English and maths

You will need to continue studying English and maths which will be part of your normal college timetabled week. You will also be expected to complete extra English and maths work each week on our virtual learning platform.

Both English and maths will play a part in all aspects of the course including weighing animals and their diets, communicating information both verbally and written, and creating animal enclosure designs.

The benefits of improving these skills are not to be underestimated as they can help lead to better employment prospects and higher earning potential in your chosen career.
Other important information

You will need the following equipment:
- A pair of overalls (this must be a full overall so that arms are covered)
- A pair of waterproofs
- A pair of safety boots and/or wellies with a steel toe cap
- A medium sized padlock with a code for your locker
- Stationery items such as pens, paper, a glue stick, a stapler, and coloured pens
You can purchase the PPE from any workwear shop, or you can order them directly from our college supplier Diamond Equestrian.

Students should also be aware that when carrying out practical tasks on the Animal Zone:
- Jewellery is not allowed
- Studs are the only piercings that are allowed
- Long hair must be tied back
A variety of trips and visits take place throughout the year, such as Peak Wildlife Park and Crufts, and will come at an additional cost.

Is this course for you?

If you have an interest in animals, then this is the perfect introductory course for you.

This year-long programme is all about preparing you for a career working in the animal care industry. You will gain an understanding of the skills and knowledge that are important when working with animals or in the wider animal care sector, or for progressing onto further study in this area.

You will be working with the animals at our on-site zoo, the Rodbaston Animal Zone, as well as with farm animals and horses. The course will focus on specific industry-related skills building on both practical and theory-based lessons and modules. The course will incorporate key topics with a variety of assessment methods including multiple choice exams, presentation tasks, research, and scenario-based tasks.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve a City & Guilds Level 1 qualification in Land-based Studies (Animal Care).
Required qualifications

You will need to have a Grade 2 or above in both English and maths, or have passed a relevant Gateway qualification.
What skills will I develop?
You will develop your knowledge of the behavioural and care requirements of a wide variety of animal species, and these skills will be put into practice when working alongside the animals located on-site.

Over the course of the year, you can expect to cover the following units:
- Safe and effective working practices in the land-based industries
- Preparing to work in the land-based industries
- Assist with maintaining the health and wellbeing of animals
- Animals in the wild and their main features
- Assist with feeding and watering animals
- Assist with the preparation and maintenance of animal accommodation
- Assist with the handling and restraint of animals
Careers

Throughout the course, we will look at the requirements needed for all job opportunities and give guidance on what you need to do next. This could be going straight into employment in junior roles such as working in pet shops and rescue centres or working as a stable assistant or farm assistant, or applying for the next level of qualification in areas such as Animal Care and Management or Veterinary Care and Nursing, which could then lead to a greater range of more diverse career opportunities.
Work experience
Throughout the year, you will be expected to complete a minimum of 60 hours of work experience with an external employer in a relevant industry setting. Please note that this is a mandatory part of the course and if you do not achieve this, you will fail the programme and not be allowed to progress.

It is advisable to obtain and begin your work experience placement at the beginning of your course. You will be responsible for sourcing your own work experience placement, however we can offer guidance where needed.

Former students have worked at places such as:
- Stables
- Farms
- Pet Shops
- Rescue Centres
You will be expected to complete work experience on one of the days that you are not in college each week, and will also be given a block week during the year where all students are expected to attend their placement from Monday to Friday, even if they have already completed their hours.

Work experience is designed to further develop and enhance the skills being taught at college and is an important part of the course ahead of starting your career.
English and maths

You will need to continue studying English and maths which will be part of your normal college timetabled week. You will also be expected to complete extra English and maths work each week on our virtual learning platform.

Both English and maths will play a part in all aspects of the course including weighing animals and their diets, communicating information both verbally and written, and creating animal enclosure designs.

The benefits of improving these skills are not to be underestimated as they can help lead to better employment prospects and higher earning potential in your chosen career.
Other important information
You will need the following equipment:
- A pair of overalls (this must be a full overall so that arms are covered)
- A pair of waterproofs
- A pair of safety boots and/or wellies with a steel toe cap
- A medium sized padlock with a code for your locker
- Stationery items such as pens, paper, a glue stick, a stapler, and coloured pens
You can purchase the PPE from any workwear shop, or you can order them directly from our college supplier Diamond Equestrian.

Students should also be aware that when carrying out practical tasks on the Animal Zone:
- Jewellery is not allowed
- Studs are the only piercings that are allowed
- Long hair must be tied back
A variety of trips and visits take place throughout the year, such as Peak Wildlife Park and Crufts, and will come at an additional cost.

Testimonials

“I chose Animal Care because I love animals, and I really want to experience more about them and get to know them even better. There’s loads of choice on practical days of what animals you can work with, the tutors help to build your confidence, and you can make new friends. I would like to do Level 2 Animal Care next because I want more experience to become a veterinary nurse.”

Abigail Rees

Former Level 1 and Current Level 2 Animal Care Student

“I’ve enjoyed my time at college so much. Everyone there is so kind, accepting, and understanding. I’m so happy to have got what I got in my Animal Care course, it’s a lot higher than I expected, and I’m hoping to come back next year to do my Level 2!”

Kai Crooke

Former Level 1 Animal Care Student

“I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Animal Care course and feel proud of how well I’ve done throughout. It’s been a great experience that has built my confidence and skills, and I’m now really looking forward to taking the next step into Veterinary Nursing next year.”

Lily Lewis

Former Level 1 Animal Care and Current Level 2 Animal Nursing Assistants Student

“I just want to take a moment to say how grateful I am for the opportunity to take part in the Animal Care Level 1 course. It’s been such a rewarding experience, and I’ve truly enjoyed every part of it. Not only did I learn so much about caring for different animals, but I also gained confidence and knowledge that I’ll carry with me into the future. I’ll always value the experience I’ve had here.”

Lilly Wragg

Former Level 1 Animal Care Student

“I did Animal Care Level 1 and passed, and now I’m moving forward to Animal Care Level 2 and am so excited for it. I enjoyed doing practical lessons with my friends and learning more about animals than I thought I could. I had the best first year and can’t wait for the second.”

Sarah Bilton

Former Level 1 and Level 2 Animal Care Student

Apply for a course

Introduction to Landbased Studies (LF)

Rodbaston College

Start Date: September

Code: QRF1AN

Full Time: 35 Weeks

Day(s): Usually 3-4 days per week

Apply

Animal Care – Level 1

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

English and maths

Other important information

Testimonials

Apply for a course

Introduction to Landbased Studies (LF)