The course has a practical approach to learning with real on-the-job experience. It is a 2-year programme that will ensure you gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to progress to employment or higher education within the animal care sector. The timetable will potentially be 5 days per week incorporating the industry placement.
The T Level is broken down in to 3 sections:
• Common Core e.g. health and safety, working in the land-based industry, ethics, business etc.
• Core Pathway – Animal Care and Science
• Occupational Specialism – Animal Care and Science
As a college we currently plan to follow the core pathway and occupational specialism listed above, these may incorporate subjects like animal health, animal welfare, animal behaviour, animal husbandry, animal biology, nutrition and biochemistry.
The course is formally assessed by externally set written exams, research project, employer set project and synoptic exam. The assessment activities may include a range of assessment methods like written work, observation of practical skills and presenting to an audience. In order to prepare for these assessments regular home study will be required.
You will get to work with a range of small and large animals both within the LMC collection and during off-site visits to farms, zoos and other animal related organisations. You will gain a range of practical skills including handling and restraint, preventative care, diet preparation, presentation and maintenance of animal accommodation and laboratory skills.
The course incorporates a mandatory industry placement that will require a minimum of 45 days/315 hours of work. This will be with an employer within the animal care sector and supported by our designated Industry Placement Coordinator.
The course will involve visits to employers and organisations within the animal care sector.
Current visits Level 3 learners undertake include
Blackpool Zoo
Chester Zoo
Greenlands Farm
Leighton Hall
A variety of guest speakers are invited to talk with learners about their job role and their specific part of the animal care/land-based industry. Examples of previous guest speakers include:
A J Exotics
Pets As Therapy
Aqualease
Dog Agility displays and training
Industry placement is undertaken by all full-time animal care and management learners. We work with over 30 employers from the local and wider community.
These include:
• A J Exotics
• Greenlands Farm
• Hest Bank Kennels
• Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
• Pawgeous Pet Grooming
• Shorefields Supplies
• Williamsons Park Butterfly House
• Morecambe Bay Equestrian
• Wolfwood
• Vets 4 Pets
• Animal Care, Lancaster
You may progress to employment and Higher Education
You will need to demonstrate the values and behaviours required for occupational roles in the sector, and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment.
Entry requirements:
5 GCSE’s @ grade 4 or above to include Maths, English and Science
OR
Level 2 qualification in Animal Care (or related subject) with a minimum overall grade of a high Merit (and distinction grade in science subject e.g. Animal Biology) and GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above
Good interview and assessment along with a good school report and/or tutor reference
You will also need all of the following:
Enthusiasm for the subject
Commitment to study (positive attendance, punctuality, behaviour and attitude)
Ability to work independently
Enjoy working with people
Ability to work outdoors in all weathers
Good interpersonal skills including confidently presenting information verbally
A proven interest in and enjoyment of working with animals
Evidence of practical skills when working with a range of animals (e.g. work experience, volunteering, college assessment)
Ability to demonstrate physical dexterity with delicacy when interacting with a range of animals
If you would like to apply for this course, please click 'Apply' in the top right, follow the steps, and our Admissions Team will be in touch with you
For more information, advice and guidance please phone Student & Learning Services on 01524 521385 or 0800 306306 or email advice@lmc.ac.uk
Course code: A36761-A1A