Level 2
Animal Care Technical Certificate.
Level 2
Animal Care Technical Certificate.
Take your first step towards a career working with animals on this practical, hands-on course. You'll develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to care for a wide range of species while gaining valuable experience in a real animal management setting.
Course Overview
The Animal Care Technical Certificate is ideal if you are passionate about animals and want to develop the practical and theoretical skills needed to work within the animal care industry. Designed for those with little or no previous experience, this course combines classroom learning with hands-on activities, helping you build confidence while gaining industry-relevant knowledge.
Based at our Animal Management Centre at Puxton Park, you will benefit from Weston College's unique partnership with the National Farm Attraction of the Year. This exceptional learning environment allows you to bring classroom theory to life through practical sessions with a diverse range of animals, developing the skills employers value most.
You will be taught by experienced tutors with industry backgrounds who are dedicated to helping you understand animal care, welfare, behaviour, and management. Throughout the course, you will gain experience working alongside animal care professionals and interacting with visitors, helping you develop essential employability skills including communication, teamwork, customer service, and decision-making.
Our Animal Management programmes have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure you gain the knowledge and practical experience needed to progress into further study, apprenticeships, or employment within the animal sector.
What will I study?
You will develop an understanding of animal care and welfare while gaining practical experience working with a wide variety of species.
Topics include:
• Animal health and welfare • Animal feeding and accommodation • Animal behaviour and handling • Animal nursing principles • Surgical care requirements • Animal-related legislation • Hygiene and infection control • End-of-life care and processes • Communicating with animal owners and clients • Principles of animal biology • British wildlife species, habitats, and rehabilitation • Caring for exotic animals
During your practical sessions at Puxton Park, you may work with animals including tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare breed pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus, and stick insects.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment includes:
• An externally set assignment • An external City & Guilds examination • A Health and Safety examination • Practical activities and coursework completed throughout the programme
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
• Membership of Weston College's Animal Management Career Excellence Hub • Practical training at Puxton Park Animal Management Centre • Opportunities to work alongside experienced animal care professionals • Guest lectures from industry specialists • Trips, enrichment activities, and employer engagement events • Valuable industry insight and networking opportunities • Dedicated transport options to support travel to Puxton Park
Dedicated transport is available for learners studying at the Puxton Park Animal Management Centre, with scheduled services provided through First Bus. Students can also use their bus pass on the X1 service, offering additional flexibility when travelling to and from campus.
Entry Requirements
• Four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English, maths, and science
OR
• GCSE Grade 3 alongside Level 1 Functional Skills qualifications
Applications will also consider:
• A genuine interest in animal care • A willingness to learn • Motivation to gain relevant work experience within the industry
What can I do after this course?
Successful completion of this course can lead to progression onto higher-level Animal Management programmes at Weston College, subject to meeting entry requirements.
You could also progress into:
• Animal Care Diploma programmes • Animal Management qualifications • Animal care apprenticeships • Voluntary or paid animal care roles • Work experience within animal welfare organisations
Future careers could include:
• Animal Care Assistant • Kennel Assistant • Cattery Assistant • Pet Store Assistant • Animal Welfare Assistant • Wildlife Centre Assistant • Veterinary Care Support Assistant • Farm Animal Care Worker
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.
Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
