<p>I was already a massive fan of the work that <a href="https://wildwelfare.org/">Wild Welfare</a> does years before I started working for them. I’d never come across another charity doing anything like what they were doing, and particularly in the way they were doing it. The problem of poor animal welfare within captive animal facilities such as zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries is widespread and incredibly challenging. Instead of condemnation, Wild Welfare collaborates, working together to drive forward welfare improvements for animals in facilities across the globe. Providing training to animal care staff ensures they have the tools they need to better understand animal welfare and positively impact it through their care practices. The training we provide has proven very effective at achieving this outcome over the 11 years we have been active and being a part of the journey has been phenomenal.</p>

<p>A typical day for me involves a lot of desk work which was a significant change from the years I spent working as a zookeeper, but the impact I know I can have, and the animal welfare issues I am hugely aware of are my driving force. Typical days in the field, however, look very different. We might have meetings with project partners in Vietnam, give presentations at a conference in Indonesia, or conduct welfare audits and make recommendations on where improvements might be made in a facility in Japan. Of course, taking a moment to say hello to the animals is an essential part of the process. The animals make everything worth it but, surprisingly for me, they didn’t turn out to be the best part of my role. Instead it’s the people, and the changes we create within them. Meeting people who are so passionate about the animals under their care, and giving them opportunities to learn more about how to improve animal welfare is intensely gratifying. You can make friends for life, despite the language barriers.</p>

<p>In this line of work it’s not all about the qualifications. Particular personality traits also hold significance. Patience and level-headedness are two critically important attributes because the changes we are creating take time and the sights we sometimes see aren’t pleasant. Reacting in anger or impatience is a sure-fire way to destroy a collaborative relationship which might have taken years to build.</p>

<p>I recently journeyed to Weston College to give a lecture to the students about the differences between animal care and animal welfare, something I had struggled to comprehend myself when I was a keeper. It was fantastic to connect with the students and I hope what we discussed will help with their animal management practices in the future. It was also very encouraging to witness the fundraising efforts which Weston College had initiated. We are a charity after all and cannot create positive changes for animals without financial support so we were hugely grateful to everyone who chooses to get involved with our work via donations to its continuation.</p>

<p><em>Sarah Bonser-Blake, Animal Welfare Field Manager, Wild Welfare</em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… you would like to follow Sarah's footsteps, and work with animals, you can discover our animal management courses, by clicking here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Working with animals can be a dream for many people, and one way in which you can achieve this, to become a vet.</p>

<p>In the UK there are over 29,000 veterinary positions, with vets earning an average salary of £47,000 a year!</p>

<p>You might now be wondering how you can become a vet… we’ll tell you how.</p>

<p>In order to become a vet, you will need to complete a veterinary degree approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).</p>

<p>Entry to these courses is highly competitive, so it is important that you stand out from the crowd, with great results and relevant work experience. Here are some of the options that you can take, to progress onto an approved degree.</p>

<p><strong>Animal Management</strong></p>

<p>Animal Management is perfect for animal lovers who want to develop their animal care skills to work in the industry.</p>

<p>Animal Management courses offer a balance of practical work and theory, that will provide you with the opportunity to work with a wide variety of animals. You will gain detailed academic knowledge and understanding of all aspects of animal science, management, behaviour and husbandry through theory-based and practical sessions.</p>

<p>You will also have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, working with a local organisation to build your knowledge and practical skills.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… here to view our Animal Management courses.</a></p>

<p><strong>A Levels</strong></p>

<p>A Levels are the most common route to university. They offer a more academic route, but thanks to our Career Excellence Hub, you will have unrivalled access to employers, where you can gain work experience, attend masterclasses and hear from industry insiders.</p>

<p>The subjects that universities will want you to study varies, but typically the science-related subjects are required.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level… here to view our A Level courses.</a></p>

<p><strong>Access to Higher Education</strong></p>

<p>Access to Higher Education (HE) is a great way for people over the age of 19 to gain the qualifications needed to progress on to a degree.</p>

<p>At Weston College, we offer an Access to HE Diploma in Animal Science, which is taught flexibly over 10 hours, per week.</p>

<p>The course is a great way to gain the qualifications needed for university and covers a wide range of topics, such as: zoo enclosure management, behaviour, exotic animal husbandry, vet nursing, welfare, conservation, behaviour, biology, chemistry.</p>

<p>All learners receive tutorial sessions and also complete independent study units in study skills sessions.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/access-higher-… here to view the course details.</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>If you'd like to find out more about a career in animal management,<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events?utm_source=main-menu&am…; come along to one of our open evenings and chat to the team</a>, they will be more than happy to help!</p>

<p>At Weston College, we understand and emphasise the importance of planning your dream career, and helping you take all the steps needed to reach that goal.</p>

<p>Making connections with employers is a great way of securing plans for your future, so creating opportunities for learners to meet guest speakers from the industry is a highly valuable part of the courses, particularly the programmes endorsed by the Career Excellence Hub (CEH). When a course is endorsed by the CEH, it means the qualifications have been developed in conjunction with local and national employers, and they have a proven record of helping students gain relevant jobs.</p>

<p>Our Animal Management learners had a great introduction to employers from the industry, through an Animal Careers Fest, held at the Puxton Park campus. Throughout the day, multiple animal-related professionals met the learners to explain their journey to where they are now, answering questions and giving the inside scoop of how to succeed in the animal industry. Pete, from the Reptile Zone in Bristol, was one of the visitors, who bought along Ali G the alligator, and Frank the chameleon. Staff (and guinea pigs!) from Barnaby’s Bunny Barn also gave talks on their experience, as well as the RSPCA.</p>

<p>The learners fully utilised their time with each professional, asking in depth and detailed questions about how to follow in their footsteps. The professionals all explained their advice, following along the similar mantra of “know your stuff!”</p>

<p>Each learner even had the opportunity to hold and interact with Ali G the alligator, as featured in the photographs, which, though daunting, was the highlight of the day!</p>

<p>Click here if you’re interested in looking into animal management, and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… here to find out more about the Career Excellence Hub.</a></p>