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Discover your passion for animals and transform it into a fulfilling career with our comprehensive animal care courses at Kidderminster College. We hold the unique distinction of being the sole college partnered with West Midland Safari Park, offering a diverse range of course levels conducted on-site. You will be taught by experienced tutors and will have the opportunity to gain practical work experience throughout your time with us.
We provide full-time courses in Animal Care and Equine studies, as well as a Higher Education Diploma in Animal Management. Many of our alumni have successfully transitioned into careers aligned with their studies, such as roles within zoos, small animal farms, and attendance at the National Racing College.
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Animal Care
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What can I do with a qualification in Animal Care?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Meet our Tutors and Students
Nicola Anslow
Education Manager - Safari AcademyMy background is in teaching, where I taught in schools for over 20 years before becoming Education Manager at West Midlands Safari Park. Working in the animal care industry makes my job very varied and exciting. The best part is being amongst the stunning collection of animals we have close by. The industry is competitive, but if you have a passion for caring for animals, it's right for you.
Oonagh Dervish-lang
Tutor - EquineI am a lecturer in the Further Education Equine Department, where I am course lead for BHS Work-Based Horse Care Levels 1 & 2 and Level 3 Technical Equine Management Level 1 & 2. I have lectured for four years in the Further Education and Higher Education sectors. I currently teach a range of practical and theoretical sessions, including ground schooling, coaching, biology and equine management topics for Equestrian Practice. Concentrating on building confidence with knowledge and understanding to help prepare students for the industry for the benefit of the horse. My main area of interest is equitation. I enjoy competing and training my horse in British Dressage.
Esther Webb
Tutor - EquineI have lots of experience working in the equine industry, from coaching pony club to running a riding school and livery yard. I have a passion for horses and have enjoyed sharing my knowledge with learners looking to pursue a career within the industry. In my spare time, I like to compete with my own horses.
Julie Stanton
Tutor - Work-Based Animal CareI teach Animal Care from Level 1 to Level 4. I love to see how students' confidence and skills grow as they progress through their courses. These students are the animal carers of the future, so sharing my passion for animal welfare is so important. Animal care is a hard job that requires you to be outside in all weathers. My job is to light a spark in the students that will drive them to want to work with the animals they care for, even when the weather is terrible.
Claire Macartney
Tutor - Work-Based Animal CareI'm the course coordinator for Level 2 Work-Based Animal Care and Personal Development Tutor for all KC Animal Care and Equine courses. I love to see my students' confidence and skills develop from the start to the end of each year, with the care and welfare of the animals we have the fantastic opportunity to work with at our many offsite provisions. It is extremely rewarding to support and see them progress onto their following destinations, whether that be another course at Kidderminster, employment or Higher Education at University. I am lucky to be part of a very supportive and hardworking team with our Kidderminster and Safari Academy courses, and we offer our students valuable knowledge and care from our own industry experience to ensure they have a positive learning journey with us.
Tom Grosvenor
Tutor - Work-Based Animal CareFrom my experience in the industry working with Cheetahs, Lorikeets, Tigers, Reindeer and Llamas to Chinchillas, it is essential students get the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working hands-on with animals and gaining knowledge in the classroom. The courses I run are a great mix of exciting and informative theory sessions and work-related practical experience working with various animals, including Emus, Wallabies, Alpacas, Pigs, Lemurs, Horses, Macaws, Cows and many more!
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Green Technology Centre Open Evening
Green Technology Centre
Tuesday 20th May 2025
4:30pm - 6:30pm
June Open Evening
Kidderminster College
Thursday 5th June 2025
4:30pm - 6:30pm
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