The Animal Focused Alliance has welcomed confirmation from Skills England that the redevelopment of the Level 2 Animal Care Assistant apprenticeship, including its new end-point assessment plan, can now be completed.
The decision follows months of waiting and marks a significant step forward for the training of the next generation of animal care professionals.
The Alliance's founder, Vicky Skinner is facilitator of the Trailblazer group leading the redevelopment, working alongside Skills England, employers and sector partners to shape the apprenticeship and its assessment. The work reflects the Alliance's core mission to raise standards and champion animal welfare across the pet industry.
“This is fantastic news for the whole sector. After a long pause, we can finally get things moving again and finish an apprenticeship that will help pet businesses train their teams to a genuinely high standard,” said Vicky.
The announcement comes at an opportune moment for pet businesses. A series of new government incentives is making it more affordable than ever to take on an apprentice. From August 2026, training for apprentices under the age of 25 is fully government-funded, and from October 2026 non-levy small and medium-sized employers can claim a new £2,000 grant when they recruit an apprentice aged 16 to 24. Employers taking on younger apprentices aged 16 to 18 can also receive a £1,000 incentive payment.
For the small, often solo-run businesses that make up much of the pet care sector, these measures represent a real opportunity to grow their teams and invest in skills. Employers are encouraged to check the latest official guidance on GOV.UK, as some incentives are still being finalised.
While the new funding model still needs to be navigated, there is no official go-live date for the redeveloped apprenticeship. Nevertheless, the organisation says the progress is a welcome sign that development is firmly back on track.
The Animal Focused Alliance is a UK trade association supporting pet businesses of every kind – from dog walkers and home boarders to animal encounter providers and catteries. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of animal welfare while being the voice of the pet industry. Members benefit from Primary Authority-assured licensing advice, regular sector updates, expert webinars, a free legal helpline, exclusive discounts, and representation in national policy discussions.
Learn more at www.animalfocusedalliance.co.uk.
