Interested in studying in Wirral for a career with animals? 

Thanks to a successful partnership between Church Farm and    Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire, animal care students have the chance to study in Wirral on the Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care or the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management.

By working with Reaseheath College, Church Farm ensures all farm animals get first class care and attention and local young people receive important job-specific training.

Theory lessons are taught in the classroom by Reaseheath staff, and students receive lots of practical experience by working with the animals on the farm (meerkats, rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys, sheep and more).

Find Reaseheath on Facebook

Follow Reaseheath on Twitter

LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN ANIMAL CARE  

An introductory level course for school leavers. FREE bus service to Church Farm.

This three-days-per-week, year-long course offers lots of hands-on activities with animals alongside study sessions in the classroom.

You could be involved in activities such as cleaning accommodation, feeding, health checking, grooming, nursing, behavioural studies, enclosure design and horse care.

You could take part in zoo animal practicals at Reaseheath campus several times during the year. The qualification also includes functional skills in Maths or English and could help you get a job in boarding kennels and catteries, pet stores, grooming parlours or within animal welfare and rescue.

 Entry requirements:

•  A combination of GCSEs at grade D (or equivalent). A strong emphasis is placed on English, Maths and Science grades or
• A Foundation course in Animal Care
• Some practical work experience (at least two weeks is encouraged) and a keen interest in animals is essential

Course options after this programme:

• Level    3 Subsidiary Diploma / Diploma in Animal Management
• Work-based Diploma (formerly NVQ) Level 2 Caring for Animals

NEW LEVEL 3 SUBSIDIARY DIPLOMA IN ANIMAL MANAGEMENT

Based two days a week at Church Farm and one day at Reaseheath College. FREE bus service to Church Farm.

This three-days-per-week, one-year programme combines both practical and theory work. It is made up of six modules and is equivalent to one A level.

You will look after the animals each day at Church Farm and also have the opportunity to work with the zoo and exotic animals when at Reaseheath.

You could be studying animal biology, feeding, behaviour and health, animal handling and safe working, and gain functional skills in Maths and English. And career options could include animal care technician, pet store or kennels/cattery assistant, trainee vetinary nurse or animal rescue centre assistant.

Entry requirements: 

• At least four GCSEs at grade C (or equivalent), to include English, Maths and Science or
• Relevant Level 2 diploma at Merit or Distinction
• It is recommended that you have at least 2 weeks’ work experience before you join this course
• A keen interest in animals is essential

Course options after this programme:

•  Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management

(The course will run subject to sufficient numbers.)

Student Profile - Ellie Livingstone

Animal lover Ellie, 19, has been in her element studying at Church Farm. During her course she has helped to look after a collection of animals including guinea pigs, rabbits, alpacas, meerkats and her favourite goats. She has also helped to make sure that the enclosures are spick and span, ready for the many families who visit the farm.

Ellie, who has a dog and guinea pig of her own, is hoping to get an apprenticeship at a kennels or pet shop now that she has successfully gained her Level 2 qualification.

She says: “The course is a lot of fun. I’ve really enjoyed looking after the animals and I’ve made lots of new friends.”