Course description
Gain practical animal-handling skills and essential industry knowledge, with our Level 2 Extended Certificate in Work-based Animal Care at Writtle College.
Our course is a recognised City & Guilds qualification. It’s ideal if you’re looking to work with animals and want to learn more about their care, handling and management.
It might also suit you if you’re already working in the industry, and want to further your knowledge and skills.
As a student at Writtle College you’ll use our animal studies centre, with its aquatic, reptile and companion animal rooms. You’ll also gain valuable experience through a work placement.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade 2 or higher.
- Ideally GCSE Science at Grade 2 or higher.
- Satisfactory references from most recent school, college or employer.
- Evidence of a secured placement in a suitable workplace, which you must find yourself.
Alternative qualifications or experience will be considered on application.
Training Course Content
Mandatory units
- Animal Health: Diseases, Disorders, Health Checks, First Aid for Animals
- Animal Feeding: Feed Plans, Feeding for Life Stages, Feed Preparation
- Animal Accommodation: Enclosure Maintenance, Cleaning Protocols, Biosecurity
- Workplace Competence: Person Progression, Customer Service Skills, CV Development
- Animal Biology: Anatomy and Physiology, Reproduction, Animal Nutrition
- Animal Handling and Behaviour
Course delivery details
This course includes the following mandatory study units, which may be subject to change and availability.
Assessment
We’ll assess your progress in a number of ways including both practical and written assessments. Written assessments include reports, projects, posters, leaflets and presentations. Practical assessments take place in Writtle College’s animal unit and in the workplace.
Apprentice learners also undertake an End Point Assessment that includes a practical task and a professional discussion, assessed by an external examiner.
Why choose Writtle University College
Ranked Top University-Sector Institution in East Anglia for overall student satisfaction!
*Based on NSS 2022 Based on Taught Data
Beautiful rural campus situated close to the city of Chelmsford, 40 minutes from London and the coast.
Expenses
Fee: £2,176 Students over 19 starting 2023/24 (part-time)
Continuing Studies
Careers and educational progression
After completing your Level 2 qualification, you’ll have the skills to work in at entry-level roles in the animal industry. These might include:
- kennel worker
- rescue centre assistant
- wildlife hospital technician
- veterinary care assistant
- stable hand
- farm hand
- pet shop assistant
- petting zoo assistant.
Or you might choose to continue your studies with a Level 3 qualification, such as our Level 3 Advanced Technical Certificate in Animal Management. Please note that you must meet academic entry requirements for Level 3 courses.
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Welcome to Writtle College! Writtle College, a further education provider, now part of ARU, is located at the ARU Writtle campus on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Essex. We offer a wide range of exciting courses in land-based, creative and sports...