- Duration
Typically 14 months (some apprentices could complete sooner depending on their previous experience and qualifications, their perfomance during the apprenticeship and the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge in the workplace).
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
A Animal Care and Welfare Assistant (Veterinary Care Support) apprentice look after the routine day to day care of domestic and/or wild animals under guidance in a variety of different settings with the work carried out individually or as part of a team. The apprenticeship aims to prepare and support individuals for a career as a veterinary care assistant.
What apprentices will learn
- clinical parameters of common species seen in a veterinary environment
- the dispensing and administration of medication
- in-patient care
- diagnostic care/tests/X-rays – positioning and exposing
- how to deal with potential and actual emergency situations
- end of life care for pets and providing support for the owner
- UK and EU Animal related legislation
- Current legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines, Codes of Practice and ethics relevant to the workplace and the health and welfare of animals
- the species/breeds specific to your role and common characteristics
- signs that indicate potential problems with animals’ health and welfare and the actions that should be taken
- the types of basic medication, routes of administering medication, safe handling and disposal of medication
- animal first aid, urgent, ongoing and preventive care
- accommodation and environment requirements that are suitable and safe for animals
- the use of different cleaning materials and equipment
- feeding, watering and basic nutrition and characteristics of foodstuffs
- how to safely approach/handle/restrain/move animals
- how to store, use and administer medication in line with legislative and veterinary instructions as appropriate
- the behaviours of the animal, applicable to the species and how it impacts its care and welfare such as stress/distress/pain/fear/frustration
- how the animal you are working with learns and the basic principles of re-enforcement techniques
- how an animal’s natural behaviour impacts its diet and feeding patterns
- the different methods required to meet the animals’ need for enrichment/exercise opportunities, appropriate to species and individual animal
- different skin and coat care requirements of animals in their care
- basic anatomy and physiology
- basic reproduction and obstetrics and reproductive behaviour, including neutering
- Data Protection and records in line with legislation, codes of practice and workplace requirements
- basic awareness of capture techniques
- hygiene, bio security procedures and infection controls when working with animals including quarantine, zoonoses, anthroponosis, isolation protocols
- For more information on the skills, knowledge and behaviours associated and learnt on this apprenticeship, please download the file attached to this link: Animal Care and Welfare Assistant (Veterinary Care Support) Level 2
Qualifications
- Apprenticeship Certificate
- Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistant
- Level 1 in English and/or maths Functional Skills (if applicable)
Delivery Model
Regular learning, skills and knowledge assessment and research work at Plumpton College one day a week (term time only) alongside quarterly workplace competency and efficiency observation, assessments and reviews.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum of 2 GCSEs (grade 4 or above) excluding maths, English and Science (as these can be achieved during the apprenticeship)
- Workplace support from a recognised clinical supervisor
- Maths and English assessment
- Existing skills, knowledge and behaviour assessment
To enrol onto an apprenticeship programme you need to be employed with a contract of employment. If you have an employer lined up or are already employed please contact our Business Services team on 01273 892127 or via email.
If you do not currently have an employer please visit the main Apprenticeships page for guidance on how to find and apply for an apprenticeship opportunity or register for our Talent Bank service.
If you are an employer and would like to recruit or enrol an existing employee onto an apprenticeship please contact our Business Services team on 01273 892127 or via email.
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Students aged 19-23 studying their Level 1, 2 or first Level 3 may be entitled to tuition fee waiver depending on criteria eligibility.
Students aged 24+ who are studying a second Level 3 course or aged 24+ who are studying their first Level 3 course will have to pay tuition fees, depending on the course.
Students on low income who can prove they earn less than £25,000 (from September 2024); are unemployed; or receive state benefits could be entitled to a tuition fee waiver.
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students, which contribute to quality resources and equipment for their studies.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending depending on the course studied.
Work Experience
Work experience enhances your studies and is an important part of your course. It ensures you leave college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course.
