Further Details
Course Code
LP01022
Location
Northop
Duration
Full Time, This is a 1 year full time course three days per week plus recorded hours in work placement
Department
Animal Care & Management, Foundation Learning
Start Date
01 Sep 2025
End Date
19 Jun 2026
Course Overview
This course provides an introduction to animal care and has a practical focus which is supported with theory based classroom sessions, all designed to stretch and encourage the development of skills, knowledge, understanding and experience in order to work towards gaining animal related employment. The Level 1 course is aimed at learners with little or no experience in animal care. For those with some experience there will be opportunities to develop and expand both your practical and theoretical knowledge further. You will be involved in helping to care for the wide range of animals at the college.
This course includes 60 hours of work experience as a group in an organised placement.

The subjects you will study include animal health and wellbeing, animal handling, wildlife and conservation, feeding and watering, and animal accommodation.

The excellent Animal Care and Rare Breeds Centres will give you the opportunity to gain valuable practical skills, with access to over a hundred species of animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, hens, ducks, ferrets, dogs, sheep, goats, pigs and fish. You will also cover a wide range of underpinning knowledge and this combination will give you a head start in your chosen career path. Learning will be as fun as possible and you will learn through a variety of methods, including lectures, individual and group work, practical work, and will use a range of modern learning technology.

Literacy and Numeracy development will be a core focus for all learners and once ready, learners will have the opportunity to undertake Essential Skills Wales qualifications in Communication and Application of Number.

This course offers lots of practical tasks which will also help develop your Maths, English and Digital Literacy skills.

Learners will be assigned a Progress Coach who will support them throughout their time on programme. They will ensure that any ALN support is put in place before learners start and that any new support needs that may arise are incorporated into their programme to help them to succeed. The course is fully supported to meet individual needs and learning differences.
The course is assessed through 2 online tests, and a variety of controlled assessments which will include a range of tasks including theory and practical activities.

Throughout the programme you will take part in a range of informal practice assessments to help you with learning the course content effectively.

You will also carry out a period of work-related experience in the Animal Care industry which may be a combination of an external placement as well as a realistic work environment within college.

English and Maths may involve sitting examinations.
4 GCSEs at grade E/2 or above including English/Welsh (1st Language) and Maths

For all learners who are looking to progress onto this L1 course from an entry programme
you must have achieved your E3 qualification, progressed in Maths and English and hit all of the targets in your ILP

At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
Progression to Level 2 Animal Care Technical subject to meeting criteria.

Learners wishing to go into employment may find work as a kennel-hand, cattery maid, pet shop assistant, or grooming assistant.
Some courses may require kit/uniform to be purchased. Please see attached kit list for further information.
Useful downloads
Useful Downloads
Kit List

Ready to begin your journey?

Our Open Days

Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out about the range of courses we offer.

Accessible Open Event – Deeside & Deeside Sixth
13/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Northop
26/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Yale & Yale Sixth
19/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Bersham Road
20/03/2025

17:00

Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.

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