Level 2 Animal Care Apprentice

Derby College

Derbyshire (DE7 6DN)

Closes in 14 days (Saturday 28 February 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 13 February 2026

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Summary

We are seeking an apprentice to support the animal unit with the husbandry and smooth running of the unit. You will be responsible for caring for the animals, maintaining the animal unit, updating records, supervising students, supporting/delivering practical lessons, complying with health & safety, legislation and protocols.

Wage

£15,451 a year

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Training course
Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8.30am- 4.30pm. Occasional evening and weekends for events.

37 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Duration

1 year

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

  • Providing husbandry care for the animals
  • Maintaining the health and well-being of the animals
  • Maintaining the animal unit and resources
  • Updating and reviewing records
  • Supervising work experience students and providing feedback on their performance
  • Supporting/delivering some practical lessons on the animal unit
  • Following health and safety, legislation requirements and following safe working practices.
  • Supporting animal unit events and visitor experiences.

Where you'll work

Broomfield Hall Campus
Morley
Ilkeston
Derbyshire
DE7 6DN

Training

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

Training provider

DCG

Training course

Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

Your training will take place at the Broomfield Hall campus of Derby College Group

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade D/3 or above)
  • Maths (grade D/3 or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Punctual
  • Reliable
  • Willing to learn

Other requirements

  • If we are interested in taking your application further, you will receive an email from a derby college email address (@derby-college.ac.uk). Please make sure that you check your inbox as well as your spam/junk folders, so you do not miss out on the opportunity to apply.
  • The role will involve working in all weather conditions and you should be able to be flexible with the start and end of your shift, as the animals will come first. The role will involve manual handling and working with equipment.
  • You will also be required to pass all the standard checks for onboarding with the college, such as passing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

About this employer

The Derby College animal unit is a very busy, forward-thinking centre with many opportunities for an apprentice to develop relevant skills.  The team are ambitious and proud of their achievements and work environment and would expect the apprentice to strive to develop a similar outlook.

https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Holiday allowance including Bank Holidays and College closure days. Local Government Pension Scheme.

After this apprenticeship

  • Upon completion of the apprenticeship you will be able to progress into kennels, catteries, rescue centres, holiday/day boarding, animal care assistant, animal care worker, farm park worker

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DCG

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000015488.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Saturday 28 February 2026 at 11:59pm)