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Animal Management

STUDYING ANIMAL MANAGEMENT AT WESTON COLLEGE 

You will get the chance to work with an exciting new range of animals thanks to our partnership with Puxton Park, including domestic, farm and exotic animals include tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus, stick insects and more ...

You will be based both at Knightstone Campus and Puxton Park, where you will benefit from:

  • A bespoke animal management campus.
  • Weekly experience within an outstanding zoo farm.
  • The opportunity to study and work with a wide range of animal species from insects to primates.
  • Teaching from industry specialists.
  • Opportunities to undertake meaningful and substantial work experience.
  • Trips to animal establishments.
  • Guest lectures from a wide range of industry specialists

Use this page to discover your perfect course, and apply direct right here.

Careers in Animal Management

Here are just a few examples of job titles that have shown to be the most popular listings in the South West region within the last year.

Scroll down to view our courses
or select a section to jump to:

CEH animal management Logo

 

Animals are extremely important to our lives and there is a huge variety of careers in the animal care sector. The animal care industry is worth £1 billion to the UKs economy. It has 13,000 businesses, 78,000 employees and lots of volunteers.

We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.

Our qualifications have been developed in conjunction with local and national employers and have a proven record of helping students gain animal management related jobs and onto relevant degrees.

Our programmes are endorsed by:

Noahs Ark logo
Puxton park logo
harmonious dogs logo
wild warefare logo
cattery 21 logo
the pet studio logo

FIND OUT MORE

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  • In College
  • Apprenticeships
  • T-Levels
Level 1

Animal Care Land Based Studies, Certificate

1 Year
Sep 2025
PUXTON PARK
Click Here

The Animal Care Land Based Studies Certificate is an ideal starting point for animal lovers seeking a career in the animal care industry. The comprehensive course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical work to equip you with the necessary skills and experience for working with animals. Throughout the course, one day per week wi...

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Level 2

Animal Care Technical Certificate

1 Year
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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The Animal Care Technical Certificate is ideal if you have little experience of working with animals. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical activities and projects. The course emphasises hands-on training – you will develop practical animal handling skills and gain an understanding of the basic care of a wide range of animal speci...

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Level 3

Animal Management and Behaviour, T Level

2 Years
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
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The Animal Care and Management T Level is a vocational qualification created to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career within the animal sector. The course involves a significant amount of theory and science. Our experienced tutors are dedicated to teaching you the necessary theory to complement your practical kn...

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Level 3

Animal Management and Science, T Level

2 Years
Sep 2025
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

The Animal Care and Management T Level is a vocational qualification created to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career within the animal sector. The course involves a significant amount of theory and science. Our experienced tutors are dedicated to teaching you the necessary theory to complement your practical kn...

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Level 3

Animal Management, BTEC Extended Diploma

18 - 24 Months
Sep 2025
PUXTON PARK
Click Here

The Animal Care BTEC Extended Diploma is an ideal choice for animal lovers who aspire to develop their animal care skills and work in the industry. While physically demanding, this course offers immense satisfaction as you will see the positive impact you can have on animals' lives. The course provides a balanced blend of theory and practica...

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You can progress onto degrees and higher apprenticeships with UCW...
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OUR ANIMAL MANAGEMENT VIDEOS

Courses after College

Your journey to University Centre Weston starts here...

Our link with Puxton Park

The College has joined forces with Puxton Park, which will enable you to develop industry-specific skills working within the park’s extensive farmland and facilities, with a wide range of farm and domestic animals, which will significantly enhance your employability skills for the future.

The link will also allow you to gain broader experience in your customer service skills, by engaging with tourists, families and school parties; all helping to prepare you for the world of work.

See more about the facilities here

Taken straight from our virtual open evenings, Charlotte (one of the lecturers) gives us a guided tour of our Animal Management facilities!

MEET THE TEAM

 

Charlotte Haines

Lecturer

"I spent 12 years working as a senior animal trainer of exotic species and presenter at Bristol Zoo Gardens"

Find out more 

 

 

Maxine Park

Subject Area Manager

"We have great students, a fantastic team and a beautiful Animal Management Centre, which I can't wait to show off to you all."

Find out more 

 

 

Laura Link

Curriculum Coordinator

"I was head veterinary nurse at a busy small animal hospital"

Find out more 

 

 

Gill Cook

Lecturer and Degree Animal Management Co-ordinator

"I am a qualified horse-riding instructor. I started work in the animal industry rescuing horses with the RSPCA…"

Find out more 

 

 

Tobias Capel

Associate Lecturer

"I have been involved in the conservation of sea-turtles where I was protecting green and loggerhead nests from people/predation as well as ensuring as many hatchlings made it to sea as possible…"

Find out more 

 

 

Sarah Leaney

Lecturer

"I was Displays Supervisor at Weymouth Sealife Park and Marine Sanctuary, where I was responsible for a team of aquarists looking after; seals, otters, penguins, sharks, jellyfish, seahorses…"

Find out more 

 

 

Julie Way

Lecturer

"I teach a range of subjects on the course but animal behaviour and welfare are my favourite topics..."

Find out more 

 

 

Mandy Patch

Lecturer

"I have been teaching since last year and love passing on my knowledge of the animal industry to others."

Find out more 

 

Latest news

THE FACILITIES

You will get the chance to work with an exciting range of animals thanks to our partnership with Puxton Park, one of the region’s top visitor attractions.

Your classroom lectures will come to life as you carry out practical sessions at the park, enabling you to develop industry specific skills working with the park’s specialist facilities and animals.

Puxton’s range of domestic, farm and exotic animals include tortoises, parrots, reindeer, owls, marmoset monkeys, meerkats, donkeys, goats, ponies, rare pigs, alpacas, cattle, emus and stick insects.

The partnership will also allow you to gain broader customer service skills, by engaging with tourists, families and school parties - all helping you prepare for the world of work.

You will be based both at Knightstone Campus and Puxton Park, where you will benefit from:

  • A bespoke animal management campus.
  • Weekly experience within an outstanding zoo farm.
  • The opportunity to study and work with a wide range of animal species from insects to primates.
  • Teaching from industry specialists.
  • Opportunities to undertake meaningful and substantial work experience.
  • Trips to animal establishments.
  • Guest lectures from a wide range of industry specialists.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY

Elin collecting award
Elin
Elin’s achievements are outstanding. Transitioning to mainstream education, she excelled in Animal Care, consistently achieving top results. 
Her determination and passion ensured she thrived, and she actively fostered inclusivity by leading group tutorials. Her success story is shared at college open evenings to showcase the impact of learning support. 
Now employed at Green Pastures Veterinary Practice, her skills and perseverance continue to inspire. 
Studied:

Animal Management, L3 Extended Diploma

male animal management students standing in front of alpacas
Declan
The staff, from various animal industry sectors, provided incredible support and encouragement. Puxton Park's facilities allowed for both theory and practical work. Guest lectures and placements, like at North Somerset Birds of Prey Centre, offered invaluable industry insights.
Studied:

Animal Management Level 3

LATEST NEWS

t levels red and black banner

<p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Weston College proudly announces a remarkable <strong>96.6% pass rate</strong> for its T Level students, <strong>exceeding the national average by 5.6%.</strong> This achievement highlights the college's dedication to providing exceptional technical education and preparing students for successful careers.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>T Levels are rigorous two-year qualifications, equivalent to three A Levels, designed in collaboration with employers to equip students with the skills and experience demanded by industry</strong>. Weston College's impressive results reflect the dedication of both students and staff in embracing this innovative educational pathway.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">In celebration of this success, Weston College is excited to expand its T Level offerings for the upcoming academic year. This September 2025, prospective students can enrol in the following T Level courses:&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima…; aria-label="Link Animal Management" id="menur2d5" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Animal Management</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Specialising in either Behaviour or Science, this course prepares students for careers in animal care, veterinary services, and zoological research.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; aria-label="Link Early Years" id="menur2d8" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Early Years</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Offering pathways in Early Years Education and Assisting Teaching, students gain the skills needed for roles in childcare settings and educational support.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; aria-label="Link Business Management and Leadership" id="menur2db" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Business Management and Leadership</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Equips students with strategic and operational skills applicable across various sectors, paving the way for careers in management, marketing, and human resources.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…; aria-label="Link Construction" id="menur2de" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Construction</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Focusing on Design, Surveying, and Planning, this course prepares students for professions such as architecture, surveying, and project management.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; aria-label="Link Digital" id="menur2dh" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Digital</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: With pathways in Production, Design, Development, and Support Services, students are prepared for careers in software development, IT systems, and cybersecurity.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; aria-label="Link Engineering and Manufacturing" id="menur2dk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Engineering and Manufacturing</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Provides comprehensive training in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, leading to opportunities in industries like aerospace and green energy.&nbsp;</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law-t…; aria-label="Link Legal Services" id="menur2dn" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law-t… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Legal Services</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Introduces students to the legal sector, preparing them for roles such as paralegals and legal executives.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; aria-label="Link Media, Broadcast, and Production" id="menur2dq" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Media, Broadcast, and Production</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Combines technical expertise with storytelling, suitable for careers in television, radio, and digital media.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev…; aria-label="Link Science" id="menur2dt" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Science</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Offers practical skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis, opening doors to careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">These courses are designed to provide students with a <strong>blend of classroom learning and substantial industry placements</strong>, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, expressed pride in the College's accomplishments:&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"These results highlight the dedication and hard work of our students, demonstrating once again the excellent progress our students make toward higher education or employment. At Weston College, our focus extends beyond helping students pass exams—we are committed to equipping them for their future careers." &nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Weston College remains dedicated to fostering an environment where students can achieve academic excellence and gain the practical skills necessary for their chosen careers. The expansion of T Level courses reflects the College's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both students and the industries they aspire to join.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">For more information on T Level courses and application details, please click </span><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev…; aria-label="Link here." id="menur2e0" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… style="background-color:inherit;font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">here</span><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">.</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size:x-large;" data-teams="true"><strong>Meet our past T Level Students</strong>&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/my-t-level-experiences-weston-college-and… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Callum Kavanagh: Digital Production Design and Development T Level&nbsp;</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt="&quot;callum kavanagh on a PC&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43987809-7248-4b67-830c-a460bd781448" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Callum embarked on the Digital Production Design and Development T Level at Weston College after completing a Level 2 course to build his foundational computing knowledge. His dedication led to an industry placement with Lloyds Banking Group, where he applied his skills in a real-world setting. Reflecting on his journey, Callum stated:&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"Before joining the DPDD T Level with Weston College, I completed a Level 2 course. This helped to build my confidence and basic computing knowledge. Once I started the T Level, I was quickly introduced to the hands-on working experience side of the course, which benefitted me greatly." &nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/gretas-successful-business-t-level-journe… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Greta: Business, Management, and Leadership T Level</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Greta speaking at an employer conference&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b71a488b-a930-4384-adc4-16ad790f9a09" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Greta, a second-year student in the Business, Management, and Leadership T Level, secured an industry placement at Occuteach, an occupational training provider. There, she gained hands-on experience in marketing and client communications. She shared her enthusiasm:&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"The course has been very informative and engaging, providing me with valuable insights into the business world."</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/health-t-level-graduate-celebrates-her-su… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Christiana: Health T Level Graduate</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Christiana&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08e5f78b-a773-4f5c-831e-185f9eda970a" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Christiana completed her Health T Level and transitioned seamlessly into a Nursing Assistant role at Weston Hospital. She attributes her employment to the practical experience gained during her studies:&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"My placement during my T Level was at Weston Hospital—that experience was so incredible, and I now have a job on the ward where I did my placement." &nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/graces-early-years-t-level-experience"><s… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Grace: Early Years Educator T Level</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt="&quot;the early years classroom&quot;" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca26d3b0-fd26-41fa-b362-7d84d4b8a589" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Grace's commitment during her Early Years Educator T Level led to a summer job offer from her placement at Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead. She praised the course's balance of theoretical and practical learning:&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"The T Level was a ‘great balance of placement and college hours,’ providing her with a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience to put her skills into practice."</span></p>

Learner holding an owl

<p>Amy, a dedicated T Level student, has found her wings during her industry placement with The Bird of Prey Project in Bath.</p><p>As part of her <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… Level in Animal Care and Management</a>, Amy’s placement has been a transformative experience, helping her build confidence, independence, and skills that will last a lifetime.</p><p>The Bird of Prey Project, known for its commitment to restoring habitats and conserving birds of prey, offers a hands-on environment that truly rewards passion and effort.</p><p>Amy has embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, becoming an integral part of the team. Her natural motivation, excellent customer service skills, and growing expertise in avian care have earned her praise from both staff and visitors.</p><p>A particularly memorable milestone in Amy’s journey was learning to handle and fly the birds. Among these breath taking moments was the first time she flew Bella, the Indian Rock Owl.</p><p>Amy’s confidence visibly blossomed as she mastered this skill, reflecting her dedication to learning and growth.</p><p>Amy’s placement has not only been an educational experience but also a deeply rewarding one, offering a unique blend of challenges and accomplishments.</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… you would like to find out more about our T Level courses in Animal Care and Management, then click here.</a></p>

Reptile Zone letting Animal Management Students touch crocodile

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;">To kick off the new academic year, Animal Management hosted an Employment and Conservation Day where all new students got the chance to meet employers, explore the Puxton Park campus, take part in activities and investigate different prospective career paths.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">The day began with a tractor ride around Puxton Park to familiarise the students with campus, where they also explored one of the dairy farms outside of Puxton that they will be involved with later in the year to see how it is run differently to the one onsite.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">After the learners were more familiar with their surroundings, they headed to Puxton’s theatre where they received talks from both lecturers and employers, and students got the chance to hear different pathways open to them, both after they complete their course and for their work experience hours.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Employer talk in Puxton Park&apos;s theatre&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed7e75f5-8136-4eb2-8988-9f3ca30ce90a" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">The lecturers outlined their previous experiences including working at Bristol Zoo with a range of different animals, training sea lions, and even saving species of birds that were on the brink of extinction. By sharing their career history, the students got a wider understanding of the possibilities available to them and the different animals they could work with.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Following this, the learners heard from employers from Harmonious Dogs, Noah’s Ark, and Reptile Zone, where they introduced themselves and what they do. Harmonious Dogs brought in two dogs to show the students how they train them and provided a meet and greet for the students to interact with the dogs. Reptile Zone also made their talk interactive by bringing in an African dwarf crocodile and a panther chameleon which the students could hold at the end.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Crocodile from Reptile Zone&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e40f7846-a857-4ef2-a8c4-bc07d79b7245" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Panther chameleon from Reptile Zone&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="287c102c-b26f-4542-b854-252ce9c8d7a1" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Reptile Zone also brought in one of Weston College’s Year 2 Level 3 students who volunteers with them to show that these careers are achievable and realistic to all the learners in attendance.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">By providing the students with real-life experiences from both lecturers and employers, it allows them to consider different pathways depending on the kinds of animals they want to work. They also got to see the types of employers that Weston College works with so they can make connections themselves and start thinking about their futures.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">After lunch, the Conservation Day commenced and was made possible by organisations called RoAM (Records of the Avalon Marshes), where volunteers who specialise in recording wildlife of the Somerset Wetlands came in to outline what RoAM is, discuss the importance of it, and how students can help, as well as setting up activities to help the students understand and get them involved.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Wildlife talk to students&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b4ef488-ae27-492d-90ac-609e850e39ae" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">The students were split into 5 groups and set up near the pond on different stations. These stations included plants; media; aquatic life; dragonflies and damselflies; butterflies, moths, and crickets, and all had different members of RoAM who specialise in the different species.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">At these stations, learners had 15 minutes to learn about their station specie that they may not have been previously exposed to with activities like plant identification, moth trapping, and pond dipping – where they got the chance to use a microscope and look closely at animals, algae and microbes and view all the intricate details of the small little beasties.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Students in specie groups using microscopes&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="daca6d40-7c24-4b2c-b7f0-95f6a4a0f8bb" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">This type of wildlife and species would not always be considered by the learners when contemplating working with animals but is a rewarding professional that, thanks to the volunteers at RoAM, has now been brought to the attention of the students.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Joseph, the Technical Demonstrator for Animal Management, said “overall this day was a success and hopefully opened up a new interest for students that haven’t had the experience with people who work with our native wildlife”.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Thank you to the employers and organisation members who took the time to visit our students and share their knowledge and experiences. This has broadened the learners’ mindsets and career opportunities.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima…; target="_blank">If you're interested in joining one of our Animal Management Courses in September, click here.</a></p>

MEET THE TEAM

Laura
Laura
Before coming to the college I was head veterinary nurse at a busy small animal hospital. I then started teaching student vet nurses and really enjoyed this aspect, which began my teaching career.
Curriculum Co-ordinator
Mandy with a parrot
Mandy
I have been teaching since last year and love passing on my knowledge of the animal industry to others.
Lecturer in Animal Management
Charlotte holding a parrot
Charlotte
I spent 12 years working as a senior animal trainer of exotic species and presenter at Bristol Zoo Gardens
‪Lecturer in Animal Management

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