West Nottinghamshire College’s animal care curriculum kicked off the new year with an exciting and inspiring industry week, giving students invaluable access to professionals from across the animal care sector and a rare opportunity to experience the breadth of careers available.
Lion Learners' Kristen Fielden with a blue tongued skink lizard.
Throughout the week, students welcomed a wide range of guest speakers and organisations who delivered interactive talks, shared their expertise and, in some cases, brought animals on-site for students to meet.
The initiative was designed to give learners meaningful exposure to the realities of working in animal-related careers, from hands-on care and welfare to the business, training and progression pathways that sit behind the scenes.
Students were able to handle the animals, ask questions directly to specialists and gain practical insight that will help shape their future career plans.
One of the highlights of the week was a visit from Kristen Harness of Lion Learners, who brought a fascinating selection of animals for students to hold and observe, including a blue-tongued skink lizard, rabbits, a corn snake, a desert blonde tarantula and a lesser hedgehog tenrec.
Kristen let students handle the lesser hedgehog tenrec.
A former primary school teacher, Kristen spoke candidly about her career change into animal handling, the types of settings she visits – such as schools – and the realities of running her own business. She gave students an honest insight into the significant amount of time dedicated to animal care, cleaning and welfare, as well as the planning and organisation required to run a successful animal-based enterprise.
Intermediate Certificate in Animal Care student Brooke Fielden with a rabbit.
Intermediate Certificate in Animal Care student Tia-mai Owen with the corn snake.
Students also heard from Dawn Haynes of Hogs of Winterfell Hedgehog Rescue, who shared her experiences of rehabilitating hedgehogs admitted due to road traffic accidents, parasite infestations, low weight or orphaning.
Dawn brought along Noel, a hedgehog who has been in her care since Christmas Day and is currently being treated for a worm infestation and underweight condition. She explained feeding regimes, care methods and the importance of releasing hedgehogs back into the gardens where they were originally found.
Dawn Haynes from The Hogs of Winterfell Hedgehog Rescue shared her knowledge.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s people and nature officer Laura Bacon introduced students to a wildlife challenge, which got them to think about the types of animals which are native to the UK. Students had to raise their yes and no paddles to the questions. Laura shone the spotlight on the array of jobs available, working with wildlife across the 47 trusts including on Alderney and the Isle of Man.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust's people and nature officer Laura Bacon.
Laura challenged students to guess which animals were native to the UK.
Nottinghamshire Police were represented by PC Dean Allen, who attended with tracker dog Niko. Dean spoke about his role within the force, detailing the intensive training regime police dogs undergo and the wide range of duties they perform, from crowd control to detecting weapons and drugs. Students also learned how dogs like Niko will eventually support serious crime investigations by locating vital evidence, including blood traces.
PC Dean Allen with tracker dog Niko.
Dean sets Niko off on a search.
Further career pathways were explored through visits from Bottle Green Training, with Jo Dobb and Cheryl Hambleton outlining post-college routes into animal care and veterinary nursing. They explained Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare apprenticeships, Level 3 Veterinary Nursing apprenticeships and the flexibility of veterinary nursing careers, which can span small animal, equine and even zoo work.
Jo Dobb (left) and Cheryl Hambleton (right) from Bottle Green Training.
Students were also given clear guidance on entry requirements, the competitiveness of the sector and the importance of volunteering and work experience.
Additional visitors included Alan Barnes from Guide Dogs for the Blind with guide dog Windsor, Gemma from Coxmoor Kennels discussing roles within kennel environments, Kevin Heron from the Army careers team with a working dog, and an online session with Claire Pearce from the Institute of Animal Technology.
Claire introduced students to the specialist role of animal technologists, highlighting their responsibility for laboratory animal welfare and their essential contribution to scientific research and medical advancements.
The rabbits were popular guests.
The desert blonde tarantula wasn't as popular!
The week concluded with a strong emphasis on how varied, rewarding and demanding careers in animal care can be, helping students to understand not only the hands-on aspects but also the training, responsibility and business considerations involved.
Programme area leader for animal care, Polly Wiltshire, said: “Industry week is vital for our students because it gives them exposure to specialists and careers, they simply wouldn’t experience in the classroom alone.
“Hearing honest accounts of the challenges, responsibilities and business realities of working with animals helps students make informed decisions about their futures. These experiences inspire them, broaden their understanding of the sector and prepare them for the expectations of real-world animal care professions.”