The NI Traineeship provides a high-quality vocational education and training programme for those who aspire to work within a specific sector.  Full details of the programme is available in our Traineeship page.

The Level 2 NI Traineeship in Animal Care aims to develop your understanding, knowledge and practical skills in relation to small animal care. It provides excellent preparation for working with animals and is suitable for those who wish to enter a wide range of careers within the animal industry.

As part of this traineeship you will undertake a Level 2 Diploma in Animal Care vocational qualification which will enable you to gain the skills and knowledge relating to the following:

• Animal health
• Animal biology
• Animal welfare and ethics
• Animal behaviour assessment and safe handling
• Animal husbandry
• Animal Care Industry Employment
• Practical animal care project

This traineeship will also include the following key elements:

• Vocational skills development
• Transversal and digital skills
• Literacy and numeracy qualifications at Level 2 (if required)
• Work placement of 150 hours

Why undertake a traineeship?

• It will provide you with the skills to pursue a career within the animal industry
• It provides leaners with industry work experience, which will provide you with the opportunity to experience what a career working with animals would be like

All trainees who have attained the Full Traineeship Certificate can progress to employment or further study on a programme like the Level 3 National Foundation Diploma Animal Management.  The college also offers a Higher Education pathway in the form of a Level 4 HNC and a L5 HND in Animal Management. 

Possible career pathways may include:  

• Veterinary care and sciences
• Animal welfare
• Agriculture and equine study
• Zoological and behavioural studies

You must:

• Be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
• Have a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. However, most areas will require higher grades in Maths and English.  See our Traineeship page for specific grades for each vocational area.
• Attend an information session.