Animal Care and Welfare Assistant (Veterinary Care Support)

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.

All apprentices will require: 

• Workplace support from a recognised clinical supervisor
• A minimum of 2 GCSEs (grade 4 or above) excluding maths, English and Science (as these can be achieved during the apprenticeship)

The entry requirements for all apprentices aged 18 or under at time of enrolment, will require either: 

• GCSE H or above in English (either Literature or Language) and Maths
• GCSE 1 or above in English (either Literature or Language) and Maths
• Entry 3 Functional Skills English and Maths (or equivalent qualification) at this level or Level 1 or 2.

Should you not meet the entry requirements for English and Maths, please get in contact with us. We are aware that there are many factors that may have affected your previous education and grades, so will consider these in support of the application on an individual basis.

For all apprentices aged 19 and over at time of enrolment, Functional Skills is an optional component of your apprenticeship programme. As a college, we support the progression of all our apprentices and provide the opportunity to undertake Functional Skills English and/or maths as part of your apprenticeship qualification. Throughout your pre-enrolment, you and your employer will have the opportunity to discuss this in more detail to help facilitate your decision.

In addition to your prior English and Maths qualifications, you will complete an initial assessment for English and Maths as part of your pre-boarding session in college. This assessment will give us a current working level grade and will indicate which level Functional Skills you will be enrolled on if you have not got a GCSE 4/C or above in English and Maths. We may contact you to discuss this grade if we have any concerns.

If you have a grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will not be required to attend Functional Skills English and/or Maths sessions as part of your Apprenticeship.

Please note: You will be required to produce your GCSE certificates BEFORE you start your course to be exempt from attending Functional Skills English and Maths sessions.

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.

You must be in a role that will allow you the opportunity to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship. Additionally, apprentices must have a working level of maths and English that will allow successful achievement of level 1 functional skill prior to the end point assessment.

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.