Course Overview
An apprenticeship is a perfectly suited training path towards becoming a dog groomer due to the hands-on nature of the job. Qualifying via this route will give you the chance to put your skills into practice, while gaining the understanding and experience to become a knowledgeable dog groomer.
As a dog grooming apprentice, you will be employed in a dog grooming environment, to allow you to gain those crucial, hands-on practical skills and experience in a working environment. You will also benefit from a range of online learning, including virtual demonstrations from our experienced, ambitious and knowledgeable lecturers. In addition to this you will also earn a wage while gaining your formal apprenticeship qualification.
Find out more about what to expect from a career as a dog groomer by visiting our Ultimate Guide to a Career in Dog Grooming.
Quick Facts
Typical duration: a minimum of 12 months training (at least six hours per week must be spent undertaking off-the-job training)
Location: England
Attendance: No college attendance required. However, you will need to be available for one afternoon of online virtual learning per week, this will be discussed and confirmed at interview. Please note you will be assessed at your place of work by an external assessor.
Start dates: Start anytime
Non apprentice option: City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
Benefits to employers
- Grow your business: Affordable way to expand and develop your business
- Cost effective: Provide valuable opportunities and support the industry whilst minimising recruitment and training costs
- Enhanced reputation: Provide your clients reassurance by investing in staff who are dedicated to learning and show them that you support your industry
- Increase productivity: Maximise staff efficiency through the development of knowledge and skills within your company
Why chose us?
The College of Animal Welfare has a well-earned reputation for excellence; delivering quality training and education and employer support. Apprentices will benefit from:
- Tuition, support and assessment provided online and via email and telephone contact
- Access to our unique and innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and extensive eLibrary resources
- Weekly virtual learning sessions, delivered by our experienced and professional lecturers
- Comfort in knowing the college are extremely experienced in delivering dog grooming training for over 10 years with many students having gone onto secure successful careers in the dog grooming industry
Course Content
You will gain the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours needed of a dog groomer to ensure you maintain safe working practices and take responsibility for yourself, others and the animals in your care.
Over the course of the qualification you will cover how to:
- Prepare dogs for grooming
- Baths dogs
- Dry dogs for styling
- Trim and prepare dogs for styling
- Moving and lifting dogs around the salon
- Cleaning the grooming environment
- Professional practice
- Breed characteristics and behaviour
Assessment
Functional Skills
You will undertake Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 in English and Maths unless exempt.
Portfolio
During your apprenticeship you will compile a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Once you have completed your portfolio, Functional Skills and a minimum of 12 months of training, you will be able to undertake the End Point Assessment.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
To undertake your End Point Assessment, you will need access to a suitable environment in the workplace for the practical assessment (3 hours) and a quiet place for the professional discussion to be undertaken (45 minutes).
The EPA consists of:
- Observation with questions: An observation with questions involves an independent assessor observing you undertaking work as part of their normal duties in your workplace and asking questions.
- Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence: An interview consists of an independent assessor asking you a series of questions to assess your competence. The assessors will conduct and assess the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
- Knowledge test: A test will consist of a series of multiple choice questions in which you will be asked to provide a response.
Your performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass or distinction.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal academic entry requirements. However, you will need to be living and working in England in a suitable dog grooming environment, earning at least the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices. To complete this apprenticeship within 12-14 months you will need to be working for a minimum of 30 hours per week, if you are working less than 30 hours a week the length of your apprenticeship will be extended depending on your working hours.
If you have a level 2 (or above) qualification you are still able to undertake this apprenticeship if your current qualification is in an unrelated subject. If your existing qualification is in a similar subject you may not be able to undertake this apprenticeship, in which case you may wish to undertake the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants.
Application and interview process
All applicants are interviewed and offers for a place on the course are competitive. We are looking for people who have a passion for working with animals and show a commitment to learning how to provide high-quality pet grooming services. During the application process you will undertake basic maths and English assessments and, during your interview, complete a written task, and discuss your suitability for the programme and course start dates.
Course Fees
Apprenticeship fees are payable by the employer. Prior to starting the course an invoice will be issued for the total course fee.
If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, your employer will be able to pay monthly direct debit payments to allow you to continue to receive support and access to your course until certification of your award.
Course fees for small employers/Non-Levy Payers (with an annual payroll bill of less than £3 million)
£250 payable in one payment
Apprenticeship fees may be free for those under 21 years of age, working in a non-levy paying organisation with less than 50 employees.
Course fees for large employers/Levy Payers (with an annual payroll bill of more than £3 million)
Digital account payment – £5,000
Save 50% off the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants or the VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene qualification course fees if you study it alongside this apprenticeship (Awarding Body fees still apply).
These are current figures and may be subject to change. The differences in course fees reflect the level of funding that is available as a result of government policies and priorities. These may be as a result of age, employment status, previous education achievements, or location for example, and are outside the control of The College of Animal Welfare.
What Next?
On completion of your apprenticeship you will have gained the knowledge, skills, behaviours and practical experience needed to excel in a dog grooming role. During this time, your desire to learn and increase your knowledge further may lead you to wondering what you should do next!
If you are looking to study to the next level you may consider undertaking further dog grooming qualifications offered. Please see our course page for further information.
