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In a nutshell

Our vocational studies courses are designed to introduce you to the area of study that interests you and to help you to develop wider learning skills.

This course is for you if...

... You have a keen interest in animals
... You want to develop practical and transferable skills

What will I be doing?

A range of theory and practical sessions focussing on building practical and life skills.

This course will provide you with a range of progression opportunities, including further learning at the college on one of our next level courses, an apprenticeship or employment!

You'll get the opportunity to work with the animals at the college and gain an insight into college life. You'll develop practical, transferable skills and complete tasks that focus on demonstrating what you can do and what you’ve learned.

The core units are the same across all our vocational studies courses, which will help you to develop your skills within your chosen vocational area. If you need to change to a different course, you can transfer the units studied on this course to your next one, if needed.

The core units you’ll follow include:

• Being organised
• Developing a progression plan
• Working with others
• Researching a topic

The Animal Care units may include:

• Finding out about the Landbased Sector
• Caring for and feeding animals
• Moving and accommodating animals
• Using workshop tools
• Estate skills maintenance
• Maintaining animal health

You’ll be assessed through assignments, tasks and practical assessments and you’ll achieve:

• BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Vocational Studies Landbased - Animal Care
• Skills Activities
• Maths and English (if you haven't achieved a grade C or above at GCSE level)
• Other relevant qualifications to enhance your skill set

We have a well-stocked Animal Care Centre at Usk campus, which houses a range of animals from ferrets to snakes and spiders also donkeys, some meerkats!

The centre is staffed by an experienced well qualified team who supervise and support you whilst undertaking practical sessions.

What is expected of me?

You’ll need to be motivated, hardworking and willing to try new things. There will be an expectation that you practise skills and techniques in realistic work environments within college, allowing you to build on your employability skills. Attendance and punctuality for all sessions is a compulsory requirement of this course.

What comes next?

• You could continue your studies at Level 2 in a vocational area of your choice
• You could progress onto an apprenticeship

Additional information

Before joining this course, you’ll need to have an up-to-date tetanus injection prior to working with the animals.

For Health and Safety, you'll also need to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before working with the animals. This includes:

• a lab coat
• steel toe cap wellingtons
• navy blue overalls
• a bag to carry your PPE in

The approximate cost of the equipment is £40 and these items should be purchased before commencing your course.