Bridge to Animal Care - Entry Level 3

The qualification provides a range of basic, introductory skills as well as core knowledge relevant to animal care and generic employability skills. The nationally recognised qualification gained is structured to allow learners to develop skills and knowledge in an animal care environment.

The course is suitable for learners with moderate learning difficulties and/or disabilities, who are interested in animal care and wish to work in the animal care sector but need a grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills.

Whilst there are no formal entry requirements, students are required to show a willingness to learn, participate in and develop skills in a college environment.

Learners are expected to have an interest in all aspects of animal care.

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

05/09/2023

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at the college are generally 3-4 days per week (you may be in an extra day if you are resitting English and/or Maths). All students are expected to complete study hours in the Learning Resource Centre and at least 30 hours work experience on top of their college hours.

What can I do after this course at CWA?

The College of West Anglia offers many opportunities to continue studying from entry level through to degrees at University Centre West Anglia. Some of the courses available for those who have successfully completed this course include:

Animal Care Level 1

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£900

* Certain courses may have additional costs to cover trips or DBS checks, and for some courses you will be expected to purchase additional items such as uniform or equipment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional fees related to the programme, such as additional equipment or uniform, trips, DBS checks and work placement costs. Further information will be sent to all applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

City and Guilds Skills for Working Life (Animal Care) Entry 3. Animal care, poultry and farm animals units will form part of the qualification.

City and Guilds unitised Maths and English or Functional Skills Maths and English

How is my course assessed?

Assessment is an ongoing process and consistent throughout the academic year, this is evident via an initial screening process and then regularly via the Personal Development Plan. Learners are assessed on an individual basis by the tutors and through the verification of completed portfolio units. The online PDP system allows for the learner to log in and view their progress and targets so they are aware of their achievement to date. Three progress reviews and regular staff meetings ensure that all the assessment and review process continues to map individual progression.