Alisha Deeney

The best bit about the course was working with the animals, some of the animals that we worked with were rabbits, rats, spiders, fish, hamsters and even chinchillas. They have many animals that you can work with, and you won't be working with the same animals every practical lesson.

Alisha started her journey at Lancaster & Morecambe College in 2022 after finishing year 11. She enrolled onto our Animal Studies Level 1 course to pursue her life long passion of wanting to work with animals.

Alisha didn't feel like sixth form was for her, and found her enthusiasm lay with Animal Studies. She started on our Animal Studies Aspire Pathway Level 1, the pathway course is designed to run alongside maths & English studies (where applicable) and to provide you with basic knowledge on many core topics.

Since I didn't have the required GSCE’s to do Level 2, I started on the aspire pathway to animal care 2022-2023. During this time, I learnt the basics of caring for animals such as feeding and watering, health and safety in the workplace and movement and handing of animals. Which then enabled me to progress onto level 1 animal care which I studied in 2023 – 2024. I have learnt to be more confident with the animals and also with people. When starting at LMC I was not a confident person, but LMC has brought the confidence out of me and overall, made me a more happy person.

Alisha chose to study here at LMC as she has always had a dream of working with animals. At College we have over 150 animals that our students work with, from snakes to chickens! Courses also include industry visits and industry placements, to give all students a real feel for the working environment and allow them to put their theory into practice.

I knew from a really young age I want to end up working with animals. It is something I have always wanted to do. When watching tv shows such as Blue Planet and Crikey! It's the Irwins, I was inspired to want to work and learn about all different types of animals. I went to Zoo's and farms when I hadthe chance and I remember never wanting to leave, and knowing I want to work there! It interests me as I would always be learning about the animals and would also be able to teach people about the animals. 

Her favourite part of the Animal course was the range of animals she got the chance to work with. Throughout the course Alisha learnt about various career paths she could take, some she had never even considered.

The best bit about the course is working with the animals, some of the animals that we worked with were rabbits, rats, spiders, fish, hamsters and even chinchillas. They have many animals that you can work with, and you won't be working with the same animals every practical lesson. Another thing I really enjoyed was learning about working in industries such as agriculture, I always wanted to be a Zoo Keeper but learning about agriculture has made me want to work on a farm and work with farm animals. 

During the course Alisha completed her work placement at a local farm, here she got to put her skils and knowledge to practice, and even earnt herself job role there!

I did work experience at Greenland's Farm in 2022- 2023 and in 2023- 2024 where I did lots of different things like cleaning, helping the pubic and looking after the animals. I really enjoyed it the staff were kind and helpful, I got excellent feed back from the farm manager. My biggest accomplishment is getting a job at Greenland's Farm where I work part time whilst at College. But hopefully I will start working at Greenland's Farm full time once I finish college. 

When asked what she would say to someone thinking of studying an animal course, Alisha said:

If you want to look after animals and it's your passion then go for it. Having done the course, myself, it's a great opportunity and you never know maybe you will get job out of it like I did when doing work experience!