Free Level 2 Animal Care Skills Course in Barnsley – Barnsley College Wigfield

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyABC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Animal Care Skills Course in Barnsley. Classes run full-time at Barnsley College Wigfield, based at the Wigfield Farm campus. This one-year animal care skills course develops your practical skills in the care and welfare of a variety of animals. You'll build knowledge of animal health and well-being to prepare for work in the animal care industry. To join, you'll need four GCSEs at grade 2 or 3, including English and maths, and you'll be invited to an interview.

Who this course is for

This one year study programme starts in September 2018 and aims to develop your practical skills, knowledge and understanding of the care and welfare for a variety of animals.

Based at our Wigfield Farm campus, this one year study programme is for learners who wish to develop practical skills in the care and welfare of a variety of animals and prepare themselves to work in this interesting industry.

Course Content

The areas of study are:

•Promote and maintain the health and well-being of animals

•Deliver basic treatments to animals

•Select and prepare accommodation for animals

•Maintain animal accommodation

•Control and restrain animals

•Prepare feed for animals

•Provide feed and water to animals

This course develops practical skills, promotes sound working practices, and provides essential industry knowledge to help you progress into higher levels of learning or into sustainable employment in the land based sector.

This qualification aims to provide a good level of practical skills that will support you seeking a career in the animal care industry. It provides basic knowledge and understanding of a range of species and it develops your working practices in relation to safety and the workplace.

There are several opportunities available, one of which is to carry on studying for a Level 3 Certificate in Practical Animal Care skills. Alternatively, you could progress onto the Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Work-based Animal Care. Beyond college, there are many opportunities such as groomer, veterinary assistant, equine or stable work, kennel worker or pet shop assistant.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 2/3 (E/D) including English and maths.

  • Acceptance onto the programme is also subject to an interview

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in the day-to-day care of a variety of animals.
  • You'll learn how to promote and maintain animal health and well-being.
  • You'll study the welfare needs of different animal species.
  • You'll gain knowledge of the animal care industry and the roles within it.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom-based and practical, delivered at the Wigfield Farm campus. You'll gain hands-on experience working with animals as part of your study programme. Assessment methods will be confirmed by the centre, and may include practical observations, assignments, and knowledge checks across the areas of study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Barnsley College Wigfield will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant: supporting the daily care of animals in a shelter or rescue centre.
  • Kennel or cattery assistant: hands-on care for dogs and cats in boarding facilities.
  • Farm animal care worker: working with livestock on farms or agricultural settings.
  • Zoo or wildlife park assistant: entry-level animal care in a zoo environment.
  • Pet shop assistant: advising customers and caring for animals in retail.
  • Veterinary support assistant: supporting vets and nurses in a clinical setting.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management: a natural next step if you want to move into supervisory or specialist animal care roles.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Science: broader scientific grounding for those considering higher education in animal science or veterinary nursing.
  • Apprenticeship in Animal Care: earn while you learn, applying your skills in a paid workplace setting.