Are you barking mad for animals?
Do you want to gain experience working with animals? This course is an entry point into the animal care industry and prepares you for job roles such as an animal attendant in a kennel, cattery, animal shelter, or pet shop.
Gain these skills
The course provides the skills and knowledge required for the care and maintenance of animals in a variety of workplaces. You will learn about the animal care industry and careers available in its many sectors. We will provide you with access to practical experience with animals throughout the course.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
This course is available as a traineeship.
Entrance requirements for traineeships
You must be employed in a training contract by an appropriate organisation to study an apprenticeship or traineeship.
In a traineeship you also gain hands-on skills and work experience, and improve your employment prospects, while earning a wage. On successful completion you will gain a nationally recognised qualification which can lead to rewarding career options. The difference between a traineeship and an apprenticeship is that a traineeship can be either a full time or part time employment based training arrangement, usually for a nominal duration of 12 months or more, generally in a non-trade related area.
To find out how to arrange a traineeship and study at South Metropolitan TAFE, please contact the Jobs and Skills Centre(opens in a new tab) closest to you.
Attendance in class
You will be expected to attend campus 2 days per week for one semester.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 10-15 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
Work placement is not a requirement for this course.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (pen, pencil, exercise book, eraser, ruler and calculator) and wear enclosed non-slip footwear.
In addition, the following uniform is required to be worn at all practical classes, while on visits and handling animals:
- non-slip flat shoes or boots
- knee length shorts or full length pants
- Campus required uniform top
Bentley students are required to purchase scrub shirts (scrub pants are optional, but advised if you wish to purchase through Veterinary Nursing). These can be ordered at orientation or within the first few weeks of class at an approximate cost of $41 (subject to change).
Murdoch and Peel students are required to purchase a polo shirt, the cost of this ranges from $28-33 (subject to change). Try-on days are organised in your first few weeks of class. Payment is required in cash to the supplier at the time of ordering.
- Animal care attendant l Trainer l Pet grooming l Pet exerciser l Animal shelter attendant
- Cattery l Boarding kennel operator l Pet shop attendant
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
SM TAFE actively promotes the employment availability of course graduates to key industry partners and organisations. We endeavour to assist students into a career pathway, but please be aware that employment is not guaranteed by us.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred study mode below to get started with your application.