Free Level 3 Animal Care Skills Course in Wakefield

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyABC awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Animal Care Skills Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day. You'll spend a year developing practical handling, teamwork, and organisational skills in the college's own animal care facilities. You'll work alongside industry stakeholders and experienced animal care staff who share their knowledge from working in the sector. To join, you'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or Maths, or a Level 2 Practical Animal Care qualification.

Who this course is for

Learners will have the opportunity to develop a range of skills required when working the animal care industry such as team work, practical handling and organisational skills. These skills are gained whilst working in a real life setting within our animal care facilities. During the course learners will practice those skills during their practical session and work with industry stakeholders. Our experienced animal care will support you with your studies whilst sharing their industry experience and knowledge making the course realistic and content current. You will learn through theory sessions, industry placement and practical hands on sessions.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade 9-3, including English or Maths or equivalent.

OR

Level 2 Practical Animal Care.

What you will learn

  • You'll practise safe and confident handling of animals in a working facility.
  • You'll develop teamwork skills alongside industry professionals and fellow learners.
  • You'll build organisational skills needed for day-to-day animal care work.
  • You'll learn how to maintain animal health and welfare in a practical setting.
  • You'll gain experience working with industry stakeholders during your studies.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical sessions in Wakefield College's animal care facilities, working hands-on with animals in a real working environment. Classes are classroom-based and full-time during the day. Assessment is through practical tasks and coursework completed throughout the year, supported by experienced animal care staff.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Animal care assistant, supporting the daily welfare of animals in a shelter or rescue centre.
  • Kennel or cattery assistant, caring for animals in a boarding facility.
  • Zoo or wildlife park keeper assistant, working with a range of species.
  • Veterinary receptionist, supporting a veterinary practice team.
  • Pet shop assistant, advising customers and caring for animals in store.
  • Animal groomer, providing grooming services in a salon or mobile setting.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma or NVQ in Animal Management, which goes deeper into animal science and management and can support progression into supervisory roles.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Animal Management, a higher-level qualification for those looking to move into specialist or management roles in the sector.
  • Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour or Animal Science, offered by universities and colleges for those aiming toward research or specialist practice.