T Level: Animal Care and Management

The animal care sector is developing rapidly into a service industry meeting the broad demands of the animal-owning and interested public. Animal care is worth £1 billion to the UK economy. This sector has 20,000 businesses, 78,000 employees and many volunteers. There are many different career paths and opportunities for those wishing to work in animal care, which range from working with small to large animals, and domesticated to exotic animals, in sub-sector areas such animal welfare, business, science and wildlife conservation.

Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:

• sustainability, including environmental legislation, sustainable development, climate change and waste management principles
• the principles of biosecurity
• employment rights and responsibilities and progression opportunities within the sector
• ethical principles
• the supply chain and principles of stock management
• business organisations, enterprise skills and project management
• characteristics protected by equality legislation
• communication
• principles of customer care
• finance
• health and safety
• information and data

Assessment for this course takes the form of:

• Assignments
• Practical demonstrations
• Exams/tests
• Research portfolio
• Reflective reports

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language, Maths and Biology.

This qualification will prepare students for further study at university or direct employment in the animal management sector, such as:

• animal technician in an animal breeding,educational centre or research organisation
• animal welfare centre manager in a range of industries, including boarding establishments, sanctuaries and city farms
• pet-store manager
• animal nutritionist
• kennel and cattery manager
• rescue centre manager
• assistant zookeeper
• animal officer/inspector
• livestock manager