Animal Attendant Apprentice

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre as an Apprentice Animal Attendant. You will care for a variety of animals, ensuring their welfare and compliance with health regulations. This 24-month apprenticeship offers full training and practical experience, ideal for those passionate about animal care.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge (Level 2 or equivalent) required.
• Evidence of English and Maths GCSE Grade C/5 or equivalent needed.

Responsibilities

• Daily kennel and cattery husbandry.
• Conduct welfare checks and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Care for exotic species and assist with special arrivals.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Service

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Level 2 Qualification

GCSE English and Maths Grade C/5

Job description

Heathrow Animal Reception Centre

Middlesex Closing date for applications is: 30th May 2025

The City of London Corporations Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) provides care and accommodation to the huge variety and quantity of animals that pass-through Heathrow airport each year. The HARC team are at the forefront of enforcing the welfare of animals in transport and ensuring that the animal health and public protection is upheld.

This is anexciting time to join this busy team as an Apprentice Animal Attendant, as we see more pets and other animals than ever at the UK’s busiest airport. Typical daily duties include kennel and cattery husbandry, carrying out welfare checks and ensuring compliance with animal health and welfare regulations. Caring for exotic species on site is also a key task, with a number of reptiles and other taxa regularly accommodated on site. And the non-typical days are often extraordinary, with zoo animals and other special arrivals also needing care.

This position will be suitable for someone who has a basic knowledge (Level 2 or equivalent) and would like to develop their skills and knowledge with a Level 3 apprenticeship to become a fully qualified Animal Attendant.

Full training will be given as part of this apprenticeship which will lasts for 24 months.

Significant training is also available as the role includes liaising with pet owners, working on the airport, using machinery to transport large shipments, safely handling hazardous species and more.

You will ideally need to hold a driving license and be able to work within a regulatory environment, checking documentation against multiple legislative requirements. You will study towards a Level 3 Zookeeper and Aquarist qualification whilst also developing practical experience in the workplace.

We are looking for dynamic individuals with high attention to detail, who can demonstrate strong customer service and great interpersonal skills, alongside developing their animal welfare skills and knowledge. You need to have your own transport and be able to commute to HARC easily due to the nature of the shifts. Weekend or unsocial hours working will be required as HARC is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It is recommended that applicants review the City of London’s Heathrow Animal Reception Centre website before applying for the role to ensure they have an understanding of our core functions:Heathrow Animal Reception Centre - City of London

This apprenticeship role is based at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre and will last for 24 months (including time to complete your End Point Assessment).

If you are enthusiastic and committed to achieving your Level 3 Animal Attendant qualification and are eligible to apply, we would love to hear from you.

To qualify for this apprenticeship, you will need to be:

• Be over 18 by the end of the summer holidays
• Living in England
• Not in full-time education at the time of applying
• If you are a non-UK citizen – you need to have permission from the UK government to live in the UK (not for educational purposes) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship.

Selected apprenticeships require evidence of English and Maths GCSE Grade C/5 or equivalent.

If we request specific qualification evidence it will be required before applications are considered, please send copies of your certificates and application reference number to [e-mail] .

Prior learning: If you have prior learning e.g., a similar or higher level of qualification like the apprenticeship we will be unable to consider your application as your prior learning will not meet the funding rule criteria. If you have prior experience in a similar role to the apprenticeship your experience may also exclude you from an apprenticeship.

Selection for the apprenticeship is on the basis of suitability and commitment to the apprenticeship not qualification.

Please see the Job Information Pack for further information.

Please ensure you answer the questions included in the pack in the Supporting Information section on the application form.

Closing date: 12 noon on 30May 2025

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OENV0447 if you experience any problems. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.

Please note that this apprenticeship is not available to current City of London employees.

As part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to undertake a prior learning check, all prior qualifications will be verified through the education system to ensure no prior learning has taken place that will impact the apprentice criteria before a successful candidate is formally offered the apprenticeship.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

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BIAZA, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)