Animal care and welfare manager apprentice

Plan and manage the husbandry needs of domestic or wild animals in your care.

As an animal care and welfare manager apprentice, you might work across various settings within the animal care sector, such as kennels, catteries, and animal welfare centres. Your role will focus on overseeing the daily care and well-being of domestic and wild animals. You will ensure that husbandry, welfare, and environmental needs are met, creating enriching and stress-free habitats, and managing any issues that arise. During the animal care and welfare manager apprenticeship, you’ll conduct welfare assessments, develop tailored care plans, and maintain high standards of housing and care in compliance with legal requirements. Your job also involves interacting with a range of stakeholders including customers, veterinary professionals, and team members, managing administrative tasks, and supervising staff. Effective communication, handling client complaints, and ensuring safety and professional practices in line with the Animal Welfare Act and other regulations are key aspects of your role. You’ll also be responsible for environmental sustainability in your practices.

Duration: 18 months  

Relevant school subjects: Science

Entry requirements for the animal care and welfare manager apprenticeship: Varies by employer, but typically five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or higher. Some might ask you to have completed a level 2 apprenticeship in animal care or have equivalent experience. 

Achievement upon completion: Level 3 (Advanced)—equivalent to A-levels 

Potential salary upon completion: £23,000 

Find out more: www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk