Animal Care Apprentice

St Helens College

St Helens (WA9 1TT)

Closes in 13 days (Friday 13 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 22 May 2025


Summary

The aim of role is to provide an outstanding level of learning and learner experience and assist in the care of livestock and resources to the highest level of health and welfare. The successful candidate will support the animal unit manager and animal technicians in the Animal Management Centre.

Wage

£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)
Hours
7 day shift rota from Monday to Sunday, with 6 hours during the working week for off the job training.

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 July 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Animal care staff ensure the health and welfare of all the species kept at the college.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. To maintain work areas, accommodation and surrounding environment

2. To ensure compliance with the health and wellbeing of both livestock and staff, students and all visitors to the Animal Management Centre

3. Adhere to College Health and Safety procedures

4. To comply with the highest departmental and industry animal welfare standards and legislation

5. Ensure the care of animals on the centre is maintained to a high standard to ensure appropriate levels of health and welfare are adhered to

6. Help maintain premises, equipment and consumables associated with the Animal Centre

7. Actively support development of the industry skills and provide outstanding customer service for all

8. Participate on early morning and evening rotas to support the needs of the resource and the successful implementation of industry skills duties

9. Assist in cross college activities as appropriate by supporting enrolment and open days as required to enhance the reputation of the department and the College

10. Liaise with the Animal Unit Manager to build on any possible business opportunities identified internally or externally in order to enhance partnership working

11. Provide an outstanding experience for all customers and stakeholders

12. Assist the Animal Care Department in the day-to-day running of the centre in order to ensure all team members are fully informed of matters that may affect them

13. Contribute to a high performing department through effective teamwork

14. Assist delivery staff as required

15. Supervises the work of a variety of students and visitors accessing the animal unit

Where you'll work

STEM Centre
Pocket Nook Street
St Helens
WA9 1TT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

ST HELENS COLLEGE

Your training course

Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Your training plan

Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

  • English (grade C/4s or above)
  • Maths (grade C/4s or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Team working
  • Animal care knowledge
  • Observational skills
  • Time management
  • Ability to work independently

Other requirements

Working with animals is a rewarding role but can be very physically demanding with some heavy lifting required. We work in all weather conditions outside. Candidates must not be afraid of getting their hands dirty. Driving licence preferable

About this company

We are committed to ensuring every student reaches their full potential by providing an outstanding student experience. Providing quality education since 1896, St Helens College is one of the largest further and higher education providers in the Northwest.

After this apprenticeship

Following from this role a successful candidate can look at a variety of roles in the animal care industry including, zookeeper, animal technician, kennel worker, animal rescue centre worker, veterinary technician. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ST HELENS COLLEGE

Carolyn Mason

cmmason@sthelens.ac.uk

01744623521

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000322267.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Friday 13 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.