About the course
City & Guilds is an industry endorsed qualification designed in line with current sector standards and the skills employers require. The Skills for Working Life (SFWL) programme is a flexible and adaptable qualification that enables students to develop both their theoretical understanding and practical skills in animal care. Its structure provides opportunities for learners to build confidence, apply knowledge in real world contexts, and progress at a pace suited to their individual learning needs.
During the course activities, students can access real working environments that enable them to build upon their employability skills and upon their preparation for adulthood skills.
Some of the activities that build up the programme include:
Attending work experience in the animal care sector of College
Planning for Progression: what responsibilities and tasks students need to undertake to succeed
Behave appropriately at work and at College
Effective communication skills
Work safely
Working within a team environment
Healthy living
Safe lifting and handling
Candidate projects that enhance independent thinking, teamwork and research skills and presentation skills.
Key Information
Location: Liverpool Campus or Preston Campus
Course length: One Year (35 weeks)
Available course dates: Please select the appropriate campus and start date to apply online.
Liverpool Campus
September 2026
Preston Campus
September 2026
Course Modules
Assist with Cleaning Housing for Small Animals
Behaviour at Work
Clean Poultry Accommodation by Hand
Effective Communication
Groom a Horse
Identify Hazards in Familiar Settings
Improve Personal Manner and Conduct
Maintain a Fence
Make a Familiar Journey Safely
Poultry Groups
Provide Food and Water for Horses
Provide Food and Water for Poultry
Recognise a Saddle and Bridle
Recognise Colours, Markings and Points of the Horse
Recognise Farm Animals
Recognise Parts of the Body of Small Animals and Their Function
Recognise Small Animals
Recognise Types of Animal Housing and Bedding for Small Animals
Recognise Types of Foods and Feed Small Animals
Skip Out a Stable
Working as Part of a Group
Workplace Safety and Emergency Procedures
Entry requirements & additional information
Learners are expected to have a genuine interest in animal care, to be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year and to have an E3 in Maths and English.
Progression: this course provides an excellent introduction to the vocational pathway of Animal Care. Successful completion enables learners to progress onto a Level 1 qualification within their chosen vocational area. Learners may also choose to progress onto a Level 1 ASDAN Personal and Social Development programme or a Level 1 Employability qualification, but we advise learners to complete an ASDAN programme prior to beginning a vocational pathway, as it helps build the foundational personal, social, and employability skills required for successful progression.
Careers: this programme provides a pathway in the animal care sector.
There are no special requirements for this course.