Free Level 1 Small Animal Care Skills Course in Faversham. Classes run at Brogdale CIC Workplace, full-time during the day. The course runs across 11 months and is built around six hands-on projects, each one building on what you've learned before. You'll work directly with a range of small animals, developing the practical skills needed to care for them day to day. Learning takes place on a working farm, giving you direct experience in an industry setting. The course also supports your personal development alongside the animal care skills.
Who this course is for
Young people who want to learn how to take care of small animals.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to handle and care for small animals safely.
You'll develop practical skills in feeding, cleaning, and maintaining animal welfare.
You'll build knowledge of animal behaviour and what healthy animals look like.
You'll work on real projects that grow in complexity across the year.
You'll gain experience working in a farm environment alongside animals of different sizes.
You'll develop personal skills including independence and community awareness.
How you will learn
Learning is project-based, with six projects spread across the year. Each project builds on the skills and knowledge from the one before. You'll learn through hands-on work with animals at the farm, supported by your animal care team. Personal development sessions run alongside the main course. Assessment is through the Skills and Education Group awarding organisation.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Brogdale CIC Workplace will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Animal care assistant, supporting day-to-day care on a farm or in a rescue centre
Farm hand, helping with animal feeding, welfare checks, and general farm tasks
Kennel assistant, caring for dogs in a boarding or rescue environment
Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for animals in store
Veterinary reception assistant, supporting a vet practice with animal handling
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care: the natural next step, covering animal health and welfare in more depth and recognised by employers in the sector.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management: for those aiming toward supervisory roles or further study in veterinary nursing or animal science.
Work experience placements: the course connects learners with local employers in Kent, which can open doors to apprenticeships and paid roles.
