Last week, our Animal Management students across all levels came together to meet a range of employers within the industry and learn more about the different career options available to them. 

Many students got involved, engaging with employers to find out more about the placement and work experience opportunities they offer in order to build their skills and broaden their knowledge of different animals.  

During their Careers Event, the Animal Management faculty invited many employers to meet and liaise with our students and present what their organisation does for animals and the community. These employers included Noah’s Ark Zoo, RSPCA, Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches, Barnaby’s Bunny Barn, Harmonious Dogs, and Secret World Wildlife Rescue. Some of these organisations brought in dogs and tortoises with visual aids such as business cards, worksheets and goodies. 

By bringing employers in to talk to our students, it gives them a deeper understanding of the career paths available to them as well as give them the chance to network and make connections with local industries who want to help students gain experience and improve their skills and knowledge in a more specialised field. Many organisations were rescue charities that offer volunteering opportunities for students which is a fantastic way to help animals in-need and encourage learners to give back to the community. 

It was also great for the students to meet local charities that they have helped fundraise for during their course, giving them the chance to see where the money goes and how it helps the animals. For example, our students recently raised around £90 for Secret World Wildlife Rescue by using their entrepreneurial skills to create dog toys and treats to sell to the local community at events. This will provide support for the rescue services that help to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Three former Level 3 Animal Management Weston College students also attended the careers event with their current organisations. Grace, who is now working with the RSPCA as an Animal Care Assistant, has a range of responsibilities including caring for the animals and performing observations, whilst Andrew is working at Noah’s Ark Zoo as a zookeeper on the farm team, caring for a range of farm animals. Another former student, Maddie, has started her own business, ‘Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches’, where she specialises in tailored dog training, adolescent dog support, and puppy preparation classes in order to build confidence within dogs.  

Students then went on to learning more about Wildlife Conservation, being introduced to a range of insects and bugs in order to deepen their knowledge on wildlife and the impact they have on our ecosystem, and therefore the importance of conserving them.  

Organisations such as Recorders of the Avalon Marshes (ROAM), The British Beekeepers Association, The Bristol Zoological Society, and members from The British Dragonfly Society, all came together to discuss the importance of conserving wildlife, the work they do to implicate this, the impacts these wildlife have on our ecosystem, and how these organisations monitor and survey the wildlife. These discussions sparked interest within the students and provided them with invaluable insight into an important area of study which the students will cover within their course. 

This event was a fantastic way for students to network and engage with employers, learn more about different local charities and organisations, and see the career paths available to them. They also learnt about a range of different animal care opportunities that they may not have previously considered, from farm and zoo animals, to household pets and local wildlife. This ensures that the learners do not limit their options and explore alternative routes to find out what is right for them. 

A big thank you to the employers in attendance! Your expertise and insight were invaluable to helping our students make informed decisions about their future.

This Careers Event forms part of the Animal Management Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

Progress to the next level in Animal Management! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here! 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.