The following information outlines what you can expect during the course, including the essential, environmental and psychosocial requirements. If you have any questions or concerns about these expectations, please contact our Student Support team.
Essential requirements
Throughout this course, you will need to:
- Collaborate in group settings using both verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Effectively communicate with clients, your peers and Trainers and Assessors.
- Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Engage in group activities and practical assessments alongside your peers.
- Complete workplace documentation using industry-specific language.
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including steel toe-capped boots, gloves and sun protection.
- Work within an animal care facility, handling and caring for various species. This environment by its nature will expose you to potential allergens.
- Adhere to hygiene protocols to ensure animal health, which may involve contact with animal waste such as uneaten food, urine, faeces, soiled bedding and enrichment items.
Environmental requirements
In this course, you will:
- Attend theory classes with a maximum of 30 students.
- Attend practical classes with a maximum of 10 students.
- Work outdoors, exposed to various weather conditions.
- Encounter a noisy environment including barking dogs.
- Work alongside volunteers and encounter the general public.
- Be physically capable of manual work, including lifting equipment, restraining animals, bending, as well as standing or walking for extended periods.
Psychosocial requirements
Given the nature of work in the animal care and welfare environments, and the delivery of training within a third-party workplace, you will need to:
- Manage exposure to animals that may be stressed, fearful, ill, injured or unable to be rehomed.
- Cope with potentially distressing situations, such as neglect, surrender, rehoming and euthanasia decisions or outcomes.
- Maintain appropriate emotional regulation and professional behaviour when working in busy, noisy and sometimes unpredictable environments.
- Maintain an inclusive and supportive workplace by interacting respectfully with people of all backgrounds and identities, including those who may be distressed, anxious or upset.
- Receive and respond to feedback on your performance in a constructive manner.
- Manage the demands of full-time study, practical work and assessment alongside any personal or employment commitments.
Possessing these skills is fundamental to succeeding in the course and building a sustainable career in the animal care industry. If you have any concerns about your ability to meet these psychosocial requirements, we encourage you to reach out to our Student Support team.
Assessment types
You will be assessed on your skills and knowledge in various ways, including:
- Written answers, online assessments and tests, multiple choice questions, presentations, verbal questioning and practical tasks visually assessed by Trainer and Assessors.
