The timetable will cover 3 days per week in College; lessons are a mix of classroom-based theory lessons and practical workshop sessions where you will gain the required underpinning knowledge of domestic and wild animals and practical husbandry skills with a variety of small animals. There will also be some home study required.

Work related experience is a mandatory part of the qualification - you must complete a minimum of 150 hours of work within a land-based industry setting. This will take place 1 day per week in addition to the 3 timetabled days in College.

Subjects that will be covered may include:

• Animal Behaviour (Control and restraint)

• Animal Health and wellbeing

• Animal Accommodation

• Animal Feeding

• Welcome, receive and care for visitors (Communication within the workplace)

If placed on the additional science route you will also cover:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Companion animal parasitology and zoonosis

• Veterinary reception and customer care

If placed on the additional employability route you will also cover:

• Assisting with animal care

• Bio-security practices at work

• Working towards a goal

• Poultry care

The course will include educational visits to organisations such as:

• Blackpool Zoo

• Chester Zoo

• Greenland’s Farm

Students will also be visited by a number of guest speakers who will deliver informative talks and workshops. Guest speakers in the past have come from organisations such as:

• AJ Exotics and Pet Supplies

• Bay Vets Ltd

• Creepy Crawly Roadshow

Work related experience is an essential part of the curriculum allowing students to apply the knowledge they have gained in class and develop the work behaviours required for the industry.

It is a mandatory element of the course and students are required to complete a minimum number of 150 hours in a Land-based work environment.

Support is available from our Work Placement Co-ordinator but students are required to find and contact potential employers independently.

Progression opportunities at LMC include the T level Animal Science. However, some students may choose to progress straight into employment.

There are many exciting careers within the Land-based & Animal Care industry, jobs include:

• Zookeeper

• Pet Shop Assistant

• Kennel/Cattery Worker

• Veterinary Nurse

• Dog Handler

• Dog Groomer

• Animal Rescue Officer

You can discover all the opportunities available to you by exploring the full list of careers in this industry:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/animal-care

To study this course, you must:

• Show enthusiasm for the subject area

• Demonstrate a commitment to study

• Be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions

• Have good interpersonal skills

• Be able to work independently

• Follow a strict set of health & safety rules and dress code

Students must also have 3 GCSEs at grade A*/9 - D/3 OR a related Level 1 qualification with a minimum of a merit grade, PLUS grade C/4 or higher in GCSE Maths or English.

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: A30088-A1A