Free Level 2 Animal Care Skills Course in Ashford. Classes run full-time during the day at Craftworks College - Stourside Farm. This free animal care skills course runs over 11 months, giving you hands-on practical experience working with animals. You'll build the knowledge and skills needed to care for animals safely and responsibly. The course covers practical animal care skills alongside English and maths to support your wider development. It's a strong starting point for anyone looking to move into animal-related work.
Who this course is for
Young people who want to learn how to take care of animals.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to handle and care for animals safely.
You'll develop skills in feeding, grooming, and maintaining animal welfare.
You'll understand the basic health needs of different animal species.
You'll practise safe working methods in an animal care environment.
You'll build practical skills through hands-on work with animals at the farm site.
You'll develop English and maths skills alongside your animal care training.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical, hands-on activities at Craftworks College - Stourside Farm. Assessment is based on your practical animal care skills and the knowledge you build throughout the course. Your progress will be assessed through observation of your practical work and any written tasks set as part of the programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Craftworks College - Stourside Farm will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Animal care assistant, supporting daily care in kennels or catteries
Kennel hand, looking after dogs in a boarding or rescue setting
Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for in-store animals
Stable hand, helping with the care and feeding of horses
Zoo keeper assistant, supporting animal care teams at wildlife attractions
RSPCA or rescue centre volunteer or paid support worker
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 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (pre-entry), if you're interested in working alongside vets in a clinical setting.
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2, which you may be working toward alongside this course and which many employers and further study programmes ask for.
