Animal Care & Management T-level

5+ GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English, Maths and Science.

A Foundation Level in Animal Care at Distinction level will also be accepted assuming you have successfully completed all elements of the foundation course including work experience. As well as a Grade 4 in English and Maths.

There is a range of Animals that learners will get the opportunity to work with within our bespoke animal centre including Hot room, Cold room and outside environments. We have a growing collection of animals on site that include birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. Students will learn how to provide daily husbandry for the animal collection, completing tasks such as feeding, cleaning and enclosure design, handling and health checking as well as conducting behavioural observations.

A lot of the delivery will be theoretical classroom based sessions supported by practical experiences to ensure you are able to demonstrate the necessary practical skills in the industry. Teaching of the qualification will involve working on case studies, practical discovery, research, group work and independent study. Learners will also develop wider skills to prepare for the industry. This will include interview skills, working as a team, managing time and workload and problem solving skills.

As part of the Animal T-level students are required to gain an industry placement and must log a minimum of 315 hours or 45 days in this placement over the 2 year qualification. Given the competitive nature of the animal sector, we would strongly encourage you to secure a placement before starting the course however, if this does not happen we will offer you some support in finding an appropriate placement. Students will be given one day off a week to attend this placement along with 3 block weeks (one after the October half term in year one for employment induction and then 2 further weeks after the Easter holiday in year 1 and year 2)

Assessments for the qualification are in year 2 to allow learners to develop knowledge and understanding over the duration of the course.

Assessments include:-

• 2 x Core Exams (November of  year 2)
• 1 Employer Set Project - This includes a number of times tasks that would relate to employment including planning, presentations and reviewing performance. (November of  year 2)
• 1 Occupational Specialism Project. - This is similar to the employer set project but the content will be specific to the occupational specialism of the course. (March - April of year 2)
• 1 Research project  - this will be based on a topic specific to the particular pathway taken. (March - April of year 2)

All learners must also complete 315 hours of industry placement prior to completion of the qualification. Learners will need to source these placements themselves but we will support and guide our learners.

There are some exciting trips throughout this qualification including West Midlands Safari Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Slimbridge WWT and many more.

Learners will be exposed to a range of guest speakers and webinars in addition to the learning that the students will experience at the college and on the trips.

The college has many strong industry links which increases the knowledge and understanding of such a wide industry to all of our learners.

You should expect some costs throughout the qualification for  PPE (personal protective equipment), course books and trips.

For all your practical sessions at the college animal centre, you must purchase and wear an animal management polo shirt and overalls for outdoor animals. These items will cost £37 and must be bought on wise pay. Outdoor clothing such as waterproofs and wellies are required for practical sessions depending on the weather and can be bought from anywhere.

City and Guilds