Animal Care Level 2

Programme Description

This course is aimed at learners wishing to progress into a career within the animal care industry. This pathway provides a route for employment within the animal care industry using a combination of both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

Practical skills will vary from handling and restraining animals to cleaning their accommodation. Alongside college, work experience is undertaken within this qualification for learners to gain experience from land-based industries, varying from farms to veterinary practices.

Learners completing a level two technical certificate in animal care will be able to further their careers through undertaking roles such as dog groomers, pet shop assistant, carrying out a range of duties including cleaning and maintaining a variety of animal accommodation.

At a Glance

Full Time

1 Year

Pibwrlwyd Campus

Programme Features

During the Level 2 qualification, you will work closely both with your employer for work experience and course tutors at college.

You will be expected to attend college approximately four days per week for underpinning knowledge sessions and practical assessments. The course is both theory and practical based with a variety of animals from small mammals to equine.

The Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care involves: -

Cleaning and maintaining animal accommodation
Health checks on a range of animals
Understanding the behaviour of animals
Health & Safety relating to different areas within land-based industries

Programme Content

Modules on this qualification include the following:

Maintain animal health and welfare
Animal feeding and accommodation
Animal behaviour and handling
Working in the animal care industry
Health and safety for the land-based industries
The principles of animal biology
Animal nursing
Introduction to caring for horses

This qualification will develop your skills in areas outside of animal care.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a range of skills such as:

Essential Skills Wales Communication
Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
GCSE or Agored English and Mathematics

Progression & Employment

Progression from this qualification is an entry requirement for the level three in animal management qualification. Other routes of employment may stem from your work experience placement or other Land-based Industries.

Method of Assessment

Units are assessed practically in the college animal care centre, through a range of observations and online tests to support the theory aspect of the course. The practical assessments are undertaken on a range of animals including small mammals, dogs and large animals such as goats and horses.

Entry Requirements

Level 1 qualification at Merit or Distinction grade or four GCSEs with an A*-D grade including either mathematics, English or Welsh first language

Must be able to gain 150 hours of work placement with a preliminary placement organised before induction week at the college.

Entry will be subject to interview during the interview stage. You will have to undertake a diagnostic test on their literacy and numeracy skills.

Additional Costs

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.

You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.
You will need to provide your own personal protective equipment for the course, which will include wellingtons and waterproofs, for practical activities.