You have made a great decision choosing West Notts!
Get hands-on experience with our animals, learning how to handle and care for different species.
Two new kids at college are settling into their environment well, meet Jerry and Galaxy our male pygmy goats.
Level 1 Animal Care students attended Crufts 2024 at Birmingham’s NEC, they attended the Toy and Utility Day which covers smaller bred dogs and those bred for specific purposes.
Level 2 students have taken another step closer to employment, thanks to a comprehensive work experience project at FTK9 Boarding & Training Kennels.
PC 188 Jon Burton (NPCC Dog Instructor) spoke about careers with the Nottinghamshire Police, the qualities and training required for different careers, the day-to-day work of the dog handlers and the dogs, of course.
Students have raised an incredible £524 for Mansfield Wildlife Rescue. Registered Charity: 1186301, courtesy of fun, games, and the sale of tasty treats and cute animal-related items
Students have been hard at work creating a paddock with the help of a national social enterprise.
Kit list
Guided campus tour
Get a glimpse into the facilities you will be using as an animal care student at West Notts College.
What our students say
Hear what our students have to say about their time studying Animal Care at West Notts!
Meet the teachers
FAQs
- Where will I study?
Our animal care courses are based at the Derby Road campus, Mansfield, and have a dedicated area with rooms for study and presentations. There is also a small on-site animal facility so that you can get real hands-on experience. You will also study one day per week at off-site venues such as local farm parks.
- What is it like?
College is an adult, professional environment intended to prepare you to work in your chosen industry. We expect our students to behave in the way that they would in a job with an employer. Attendance and punctuality are very important too. The animal care team have a massive amount of experience and bring all their enthusiasm to their teaching.
- What will I study?
The courses are a mix of practical hands-on learning with a range of animals alongside classroom-based study. The higher the level of study programme that you’re on, there will be more theory combined with practical. It is important to understand that you will have plenty of time to care for animals but this is not the only thing you will do. You will need to study in a classroom too. The team will get you to work with a range of animals from the cute and cuddly rabbits to the not-so-cute and cuddly snakes and spiders!
- What about English and Maths?
If you start at college and you haven’t yet achieved your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, then you will continue to study these alongside your chosen course. At the end of your first year you will take a re-sit GCSE exam. It is important you attend your English and maths lessons alongside your chosen course.
Take a look at our fact sheets to find out why English and maths is important within this industry.
- What will I have to wear?
Animal care students wear a uniform which includes navy blue polo shirts and fleece hoodies, and safety boots/wellingtons when they are in their practical environments. Jewellery will need to be removed or taped-up and long fingernails are not allowed in practical sessions. Animal care students sometimes choose not to wear uniform in classrooms. This is fine and we have no policy about clothes as long as they are not offensive, and we have no issues with hair colour, tattoos etc.
- Will I have to do a work placement?
Work placement is embedded at all levels of animal care and it is expected that every student spends one day a week outside college in a practical environment. In addition, students at levels 2 and 3 will be expected to spend some time on a formal work placement with an employer. This is a great way for you to get your foot in the door, impress an employer and potentially move into a job or apprenticeship as a result.
All of our students will be able to also get engaged with our learning companies, which provide in-house opportunities to gain real-world experience. This year students are offering a ‘doggy day care’ service to members of staff at the college!
Not answered your question? Then ask your teacher
Send your questions to your teachers using our simple online form.