Apprenticeships
February 2012 update
Many thanks to all of you who responded to recent advertising and applied for the Apprentice / Saturday Person positions. We have now taken on both an Apprentice and someone for Saturdays who may transfer across to the apprenticeship at some time in the future.
While we are not now actively looking to take anyone on for a while, those interested in doing an apprenticeship with us in the future should see the details below. You are very welcome to register an interest by writing or emailing in with your details. We will then be able to contact you if an opportunity arises.
Minimum requirements
>While there are no specific age limits for apprentices in general, only certain age limits are supported by government funding, and then not necessarily all the time. Much depends on the economy and the amount of youth unemployment. Age limits vary and there are sometimes special funds released by government for specific areas. We are unable to provide apprenticeships without some government funding. This has recently been limited to 16-17 year olds as far as we are concerned. Check press and government websites for up to date information. Try this link for starters: click here
>You must be friendly, hard-working and genuinely keen to work with animals.
>You must be able to get to Bethersden for around 8.45 in the morning. We generally finish sometime between 5pm and 6pm in the evening, depending on bookings.
>You must be prepared to work a minimum of 30 hours per week (possibly more) which will generally include every other Saturday.
>Although much of the apprenticeship is practical and working hands-on with animals, you must be prepared to put work into the theoretical and written side of the apprenticeship which will include homework and self-study.
If you can genuinely and honestly anwer yes to the above then please read on.
The Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is in "Animal Care" and leads to a Nationally accredited qualification; Level 2 Diploma in work based Animal Care, with the possibility to continue to Level 3. This is the same qualification that used to be called City & Guilds NVQ Level 2.
The apprenticeship is carried out at A-Z Animal Care Ltd in Bethersden and the course is overseen and administered by KEITS, a government approved training provider.
This is carried out part-time, minimum 30 hours a week, at the shop and is largely practical. There is, however, a fair amount of theory and record keeping. You will be given a portfolio to complete which consists of various practical attainments, supporting records and evidence to be kept. While we do have a separate training room at the shop there is some homework involved to complete your portfolio. You will be visited every 4 to 6 weeks at the shop by an assessor from KEITS (see above) to monitor your progress and assess your practical skills.
You will also complete our own dog and cat grooming training course alongside the Diploma training. The qualification should take around 15 to 20 months, commencing after a trial period of 90 days, possibly sooner. For FAQs on the apprenticeship Click here.
What's involved?
We're primarily a dog and cat grooming business and a large part of what you do will be providing support to the experienced and qualified groomers. This involves preparing, bathing and drying dogs and generally mucking in with whatever is required to get the job done. While you will get plenty of "hands on" working with a wide variety of dogs and cats it can be very hard work at times.
Please take a look around our website which will give you a good idea about us and what we do. We are now into our eighth year at Bethersden and all the staff who are currently with us have been through this same apprenticeship.
Hours / days off / holidays
First appointments are at 9am and the last pick-up in the evening is generally 5.30pm. You'd be expected to arrive around 8.45 in the morning and get away around 5.45pm in the evening although in quieter times it is often earlier. Hours are based on a 30 hour week and will be flexible by mutual agreement. You may for instance do 3 days one week and four the next. This will generally include alternate Saturdays. The total however will average out at a minimum of 30 hours a week which may be increased by mutual agreement. Paid holidays are based on 28 days a year for a 40 hour week which equates to 21 days for a 30 hour week. These can be taken by mutual agreement.
Pay
It is possible to get a similar qualification by going to college but this would lack much of the practical experience and you would be paid nothing. Under this Apprenticeship scheme you will be paid a minimum of £2.60 per hour which is around £4000 per year for the 30 hour week. You will not expect to pay any tax or National Insurance at that level.
Prospects
Nearly all those who have trained with us have continued with us on completion of the NVQ and been employed by us as groomers. We must make it clear however that there is no guarantee of employment on completion. This will depend entirely on the availability of vacancies at the time. Your qualification will, however, put you ahead of others who are unqualified and competing for jobs such as groomers, veterinary assistants, kennel and cattery managers and the likes of Blue cross, RSPCA and any other "animal care" related jobs.
Interested?
If you can genuinely and honestly anwer yes to the "Minimum requirements" at the top of this page and feel this is something you would really like to do then please either write or email telling us a little bit about yourself. Sorry, but we can only guarantee to respond to those who do meet the minimum requirements.
Please include as a minimum:
Whether you are interested in Apprenticeship only, Saturdays only or both
Your full name and address & a contact telephone number
Your date of birth and age
Your current or last school
Any experience of working with or keeping animals
Any qualifications with grades
What you have been doing over the last year
Details of how you would get to us (transport)
When you may be available from
Anything else you think may be relevant
Nevil Ramsden
A-Z Animal Care Ltd
Greenways Garden Centre
Bethersden
Kent, TN26 3LF
or email nevil@a-zanimalcare.co.uk
