Animal Care (City & Guilds Level 1 Introductory Diploma Land-based Studies)

If you’re leaving school, this course is a fantastic introduction to animal care that you’ll really enjoy. You will work with a range of species including mammals, exotics, reptiles, fish, birds and amphibians, all housed within our excellent animal management unit here at Plumpton. You will learn the essential skills required to work within the animal care industry such as how to feed and water animals, maintaining their accommodation, handling animals and carrying out animal health checks.

You will also have the opportunity to develop you maths and English skills as well as your personal development skills, such as time-keeping, tearm work, independent study or anything else that you feel you would like to develop.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience is a great way to improve your practical skills and give you some real industry experience.

You will carry out work experience in college as part of your practical sessions as well as in an external setting such as an animal rescue centre or a zoo, this is arranged by your tutor.

CAREERS HUB

We offer impartial careers guidance to all of our students, email careers@plumpton.ac.uk to explore your next step or to book an appointment – we’re here to help.

• Feeding and watering animals
• Animal health and well-being
• Movement, handling and accommodation of animals
• Wildlife and conservation
• Animals in the wild and society
• Safe and effective working practices
• Personal progress

Students will undertake a range of units which cover essential aspects of animal care, working and employment skills, functional skills and personal development skills. The programme is continually assessed via practical activities and written work, which are recorded in a student maintained portfolio.

You need to have ONE of the following

• You’ll need to have achieved 1 or more GCSEs between grade 2-1 (previous grades G-E) or another related Entry Level 3 qualification
• Completion of the Rural Pathways programme and a strong interest in animal care
• Successful completion of a Level 1 course in another area
• Mature students without the above requirements will be considered

On successful completion of the Level 1 Diploma, students are then in a position to apply for a place on a Level 2 course, this is discussed with students during progression tutorials.