For those aspiring to an exciting career working with animals, undertaking an apprenticeship (incorporating a City & Guilds Animal Care qualification) is an excellent way to gain practical skills and knowledge, work experience, a wage and a qualification – all at the same time! Take a look at the key reasons why an apprenticeship could be the perfect career move…
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You’ll get paid for making the world a better place for animals – right from the get go!
As an animal care apprentice, on-the-job training means you will be paid for your efforts, and benefit from having a regular income. Apprentices will immediately start earning a wage when they begin employment. The average pay rate for an apprentice stands at around £170 per week*, with many apprentices’ earnings rising as they become more experienced and take on more responsibility. But wait, there’s more…
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Your employer will cover the cost of your training!
An animal care apprenticeship is a debt free route to a career in animal care. Not only will you be earning a wage, you will have no course fees to pay as these are all paid by your employer! In other words, you will be gaining valuable experience in the workplace for FREE! What’s more – as an animal care apprentice at CAW you will be eligible to purchase an NUS card for just £12, meaning you could make big savings on many of the top brands, including Amazon, The Co-operative Food and Odeon!
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You’ll study a trusted, industry recognised programme!
As many animal care apprenticeships have been developed in conjunction with employers, this means you will learn the most relevant and up-to-date skills required by industry. Over the course of your apprenticeship you will cover everything from animal accommodation, animal control, travelling with animals, reducing health and safety risks, maintaining bio security, feeding/cleaning – and much, much more!
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You’ll gain real job prospects!
You know what they say – once you’re in, you’re in. An apprenticeship offers the opportunity to secure a permanent position with your employer of choice on completion of formal studies. Starting out as an apprentice has proved to lead to real job prospects for many. According to research by the National Apprenticeship Service, 85% of apprentices will remain in employment on completion of their apprenticeship, with 64% of those staying with the same employer.* If you’re looking for job security and the opportunity to progress in your career, an apprenticeship could be the most secure way to develop with further education and training.
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You will benefit from flexible study options!
Our animal care apprenticeships are studied on a work based learning basis. Whilst the majority of students choose to undertake the Animal Care and Welfare pathway of this qualification, there are other pathways available such as Animal Training and Pet Care and Retail; allowing you to tailor the course to your interests, job requirements and career objectives. Not only this, but as the apprenticeship is work-based you may start at any time of the year, and will not be required to attend college for tuition!
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You will grow into your role with the help of tutors and colleagues!
A combination of workplace experience and online tuition means you will be mentored by tutors and colleagues with a wealth of knowledge each and every day! This will allow you to develop your confidence, knowledge and practical skills faster; and make meaningful industry connections that will prove invaluable as your career develops.
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You will begin a rewarding career early, and get a head start in the world of work!
If you’re an animal lover, chances are you jump any opportunity to interact with animals; whether that is by walking your dog, petting the neighbourhood cat, or offering to look after other people’s pets while they are away. By undertaking an apprenticeship you will be able to put your love of animals to good use straight away – and this will prove invaluable when it comes to seeking employment in future.
Proving you have relevant, practical experience is essential to securing your first role and kick-starting your career in any industry, but no more so than in animal care. In a competitive job market, a theoretical knowledge of animal welfare alone is simply not enough to stand out. You have to be able to understand how this knowledge applies to real scenarios. Having several years’ worth of direct, practical experience on completion of your apprenticeship is therefore a significant advantage and addition to your CV!
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You will start supporting the economy early!
Apprenticeships are forecast to contribute over £3bn by 2022, and it is estimated that the average apprentice improves business productivity by £214 per week.* As such working as an apprentice means you will be playing your part in boosting productivity both within the workplace and the economy!
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You will pave the way to higher study!
For many people university is the dream, but choosing an apprenticeship over university now doesn’t mean you will never make it to campus halls in the future. On the contrary, successful completion of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Work-based Animal Care will lay the foundation for higher education, such as a foundation degree in animal management (subject to individual university entry requirements) or related courses in behaviour and training.
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You’ll have a competitive edge!
Think about where you’ll be once you’ve completed your apprenticeship. You will be qualified to undertake a range of animal care duties and be able to work towards higher certifications if you wish to do so. You will have the competitive edge of real world experience and skills learnt from on-the-job training. What’s more – think about what you will be paying for this opportunity…absolutely nothing! Your employer will cover the cost of your training. Put simply, you will be turning your passion into a career – and being paid for the opportunity to do so! What’s not to love?
If you’re thinking that an apprenticeship could be the perfect way for you to turn your love of animals into a career, start your journey with The College of Animal Welfare today! Our work-based apprenticeship programmes can be undertaken within a 90 minute radius of our Huntingdon (Cambridgeshire), Potters Bar (London) or Leeds (West Yorkshire) centres.
Our Animal Care Apprenticeships at a glance…
Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Apprenticeship (Level 2)
Intermediate Apprenticeship in Work-based Animal Care (Level 2)
Advanced Apprenticeship in Work-based Animal Care (Level 3)
Useful sources to get started
Latest apprenticeship opportunities with The College of Animal Welfare