School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 1 Year Level 2 Full-Time Bede Campus Full-time Vocational Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Discover a path to a fulfilling career in animal care with our Level 2 programme designed for passionate enthusiasts. This course equips you with essential knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the animal care industry. You'll delve into various key topics such as animal accommodation, feeding, and the care of exotic and zoo animals. Our curriculum supports students ensuring you're fully prepared for future educational pursuits or direct entry into the field. Whether you're aiming to advance to higher-level studies or seeking immediate employment, this course lays a solid foundation for your career growth and success in animal care.

You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 3-9 including English and Science. Or a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Study level Cost Additional fees
16-18 Free You will be required to purchase uniform and/or PPE when studying this course. Information will be provided at enrolment. As part of the course, you may be required to pay for local trips and visits.

To gain the qualification, students must successfully achieve 30 credits via assignments, verbal questioning and practical assessments in their designated modules.

Learners must also complete 150 hours of work experience in an animal care setting.

Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The aim of this course is to develop your skills and knowledge in animal care, in order to allow you to progress to further learning/training, and/or a career in the animal care industry.

This course includes four units. Modules can include:

- Animal accommodation
- Animal feeding
- Contributing to the care of exotic animals
- Introduction to zoo animals

Please note, modules may vary.

What’s next?

Upon successfully completing this programme, students are well-positioned to advance their studies with our Level 3 qualification in animal management. This progression can open doors to university courses in animal science, zoology, and veterinary nursing. For those eager to enter the workforce, the course offers a gateway to roles in pet stores, kennels, catteries, zoos, and wildlife reserves. With robust training and real-world experience gained, students are equipped to pursue various rewarding career paths in the vibrant animal care sector.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

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2022-23

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NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

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