Level 2 Animal Care Skills Course in Plymouth. Classes run at Achievement Training Plymouth, full-time during the day. The course is free for several groups of learners. It may be free if you are 16 to 18 years old, aged 19 to 23, unemployed and receiving ESA, or working and earning under £18,525 a year. Fees may apply if you fall outside these groups. You can call to check your eligibility. The course covers practical animal care skills and the industry knowledge you need to work in the land-based sector. No prior qualifications are needed, just an interest in animals. The course runs for 150 hours.
Who this course is for
The certificate in practical animal care skills has been developed to enable students to develop practical skills, promote sound working practices, it provides essential industry knowledge to help learners progress into higher levels of learning or into sustainable employment in the land-based sector.
Entry requirements
Interest in animals, no other qualificaitons are required
What you will learn
You'll develop hands-on practical skills for caring for animals
You'll learn safe and responsible working practices in animal care settings
You'll build knowledge of the land-based sector and how it operates
You'll understand the health and welfare needs of animals
You'll learn how to handle animals safely and correctly
You'll gain the industry knowledge needed to progress into employment or further study
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Achievement Training Plymouth, combining practical activities with taught content. Assessment is based on your practical skills and knowledge throughout the course. There is no formal written exam. Your progress is assessed as you work through the course, with your tutor observing and evaluating your practical work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Achievement Training Plymouth will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Animal care assistant, supporting day-to-day care in kennels or catteries
Kennel hand, looking after dogs in a boarding or rescue environment
Cattery assistant, caring for cats in a boarding facility
Animal shelter worker, supporting rescue and rehoming operations
Stable hand or groom, caring for horses in an equine setting
Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for in-store animals
Zoo or wildlife park keeper assistant, supporting animal husbandry tasks
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management: a natural next step if you want to deepen your knowledge and take on more responsibility in animal care roles.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management: a broader qualification covering animal science, behaviour, and conservation, suited to those aiming for supervisory or specialist roles.
Apprenticeship in Animal Care and Management: combines work-based learning with a qualification, helping you build experience while you earn.
