Bridgwater College now offers an Apprenticeship in Animal Care, where apprentices will learn a range of practical skills, using the College’s extensive animal collection to complement their work with their employer.

The benefit to the employer is that the employee will only be away from the workplace one day a month, and will receive a City & Guilds Level 2 qualification at the end of the programme. Apprentices will also develop skills to enhance their contributions as an employee.

Maria Poeti, 24, from Glastonbury, who is an Animal Care apprentice at Canine Design Academy of Grooming in Evercreech said,

“After several years in an administrative role I felt it was time to have a career change. I decided to do the Animal Care Apprenticeship with the Dog Grooming pathway at Bridgwater College, which has been possible with the support of my employer. I’m learning new skills daily and receive support from my employer, doing something I thoroughly enjoy.”

Jerry King, General Manager, Whitehouse Kennels & Cattery, Lympsham said,

“For some young people, class-based education is just not right for them. Earning whilst learning, on an Apprenticeship, makes more sense, and for us as an employer, as it provides us with very employable and capable employees who are keen to learn.”