Course overview
Take your first step into animal care, wildlife and
conservation with this practical, hands-on programme designed to build
confidence, develop new skills and explore future opportunities.
Delivered in partnership with the Butterfly House at One Garden Brighton,
this seven-week programme gives you the chance to take part in practical animal
care, wildlife and conservation activities in a supportive learning environment
based in Stanmer Park.
With no previous animal experience required, you’ll learn through practical
activities, develop employability and personal development skills, and explore
your next steps into education, training or employment.
Why choose this course?
- Get hands-on with animals and wildlife: Take part in
practical animal care, conservation and outdoor learning activities. - Learn in a real-world environment: Gain experience
through the Butterfly House partnership at One Garden Brighton. - Build your confidence: Develop practical skills and
workplace behaviours in a small, supportive group. - No previous experience needed: An accessible introduction
to animal care and conservation for beginners. - Develop employability skills: Improve teamwork,
communication, reliability and personal development. - Explore progression opportunities: Discover pathways into
further education, training and employment.
Modules
This non-accredited Level 1 programme provides practical learning across animal care, wildlife and conservation.
Key learning areas include:
- Introduction to animal care and welfare
- Practical animal care activities
- Wildlife and conservation
- Outdoor and practical learning
- Teamwork and communication
- Employability and personal development
- Exploring future education, training and career opportunities
How will I be assessed?
This is a non-accredited programme, with learning focused on practical experience, personal development and employability rather than formal qualification assessment.
You’ll develop your skills through:
- Hands-on animal care, wildlife and conservation activities.
- Supported practical learning and guidance.
- Teamwork, communication and workplace behaviours.
- Personal development and confidence-building activities.
- Exploring progression into further education, training or employment.
Work experience
Industry placements enhance your studies and are an important part of your course. They ensure you develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary to be successful in your chosen industry, resulting in you leaving college ready for the world of work. It is compulsory to undertake an element of work experience when studying a Level 1, 2, or 3 course. The number of hours you must complete will depend on your level of study.
Course Level:
- Level 1 – Minimum of 30 hours of industry placement
- Level 2 – Minimum of 75 hours of industry placement
- Level 3 – Minimum of 150 hours of industry placement (per year of your course)
- T Level – Minimum of 315 hours of industry placement
Bursaries
Financial support could be available to you depending on your household income, eligibility criteria, and level of study. A bursary, which is money given directly by the Government, could help fund bus travel, accommodation, course equipment, college meals, or educational trips.
Course Fees
Students aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year of starting the course do not pay tuition fees.
Adults aged 19+ may be entitled to a tuition fee waiver on certain courses (where the Government pays the tuition and assessment fee) if any of the following apply:
You are aged between 19 and 23 and:
- This is your first Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- You are unemployed or economically inactive and your gross annual income is below £26,800.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
You are aged 24+ and:
- You are studying a Level 1 or Level 2 course and are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £26,800 gross annually.
- You are undertaking English and Maths up to and including Level 2.
- Your course is part of the Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (and you meet the earnings threshold)
All students pay a standard facility fee of £150 to use communal, non-educational facilities.
Material fees apply to Floristry, Blacksmithing and Metalwork, Agricultural Engineering, and Motor Vehicle students.
Equipment & PPE
Students on a 14-16, Level 1, 2, 3, or Foundation Learning course may be required to purchase equipment such as a uniform, PPE, or kit before starting their course. Material fees are applicable depending on the course studied.
Start dates
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