Skills England has opened a consultation on the Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant occupational standard. It sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of people starting out in animal care roles, and it shapes the apprenticeships and training that prepare them.

The consultation opened on 12 October and closes on 25 October. It is open to employers, training providers and anyone who works with or supervises new entrants. Pet businesses are a big part of that group. Groomers, boarders, daycare providers, dog walkers and cattery owners all take on and train people at this level.

For businesses, the standard affects who is available to hire and how well prepared they are. The people who see the gaps between a qualification and the job are the ones doing the hiring and training. Responses from the sector help make sure the standard reflects real practice and keeps animal welfare at the centre.

Vicky Skinner, founder of the Animal Focused Alliance, sits on the Skills England expert panel and trailblazer panel and has taken part in recent discussions on the standard, including its revised end point assessment. 

Vicky said: “Apprenticeships are a key route into the sector for young people so its vital the content and assessment of this standard truly reflects what employers need. We would encourage anyone who offers employment to young people to read through the proposal and add their comments.”

How to respond

The consultation is open on the Skills England website: https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/surveys/