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If you’re an animal lover and have an interest in learning about domestic, exotic and farm animals, one of our animal care study programmes is perfect for you. A day in animal care is never boring and could include anything from dog grooming and handling small animals to dealing with exotic snakes.

The industry needs people who are passionate and caring, with the welfare, protection and conservation of all animals in their hearts.

However, we also need people in the land-based sector to protect and keep our countryside and green spaces to ensure the wild animals have safe and fruitful places to live. Careers in this sector are rewarding but can also be really creative, especially if you get into a career as a landscape gardener or groundsperson.

With Sheffield being The Outdoor City, one of Europe’s greenest cities and the gateway to the Peak District, there’s no better place to pursue a career in animal care or land-based studies!

Animal Care and Land-based Sector Guide

What can I study?

Campus Key

  • C City
  • H Hillsborough
  • A Advanced Technology Centre

ANIMAL CARE

T Level

T Level in
Animal Management

H

Technical Diploma in
Animal Care

H

Introductory Diploma in
Animal Care

H

LAND-BASED

Diploma in
Horticulture

H

Award/Certificate/Diploma in
Horticulture

H
Apprenticeships+

We also have Apprenticeship vacancies in this sector. Please visit apprenticeships.sheffcol.ac.uk to find out more.

Entry requirements for individual courses can be found on the course pages.

WHO WE WORK WITH

We work with employer partners across the local region and beyond to provide work experience, masterclasses, workplace tours and other exciting opportunities. Some of our employer partners are:

ANIMAL CARE

  • Whirlow Hall Farm
  • Sam’s Safari
  • Heeley City Farm
  • Vets4Pets

LAND-BASED

  • Sheffield City Council
  • Sheffield United Football Club
  • British Florist Association
  • RHS Flower Show
MATTHEW COUPLAND

MATTHEW COUPLAND

Former Animal Care student

“The Sheffield College's teaching of employment skills stood out to me, and their support has helped me to gain a job in the animal care sector.”

ALFIE HULBERT

ALFIE HULBERT

Former Apprentice and owner of Valley Landscapes

“Doing an Apprenticeship jump starts your career which means you develop a strong work ethic. Since completing my Apprenticeship, I now have my own business where I employ another Apprentice.”

Land Based Studies
Animal Care

Where you will be Studying

Our animal care and land-based students train and study at our Hillsborough Campus. Students study in the very best facilities, using the best equipment around including:

  • exotic animal room
  • dog grooming salon
  • automated glasshouses
  • polytunnels

Example Land Based Careers

Farmer

Starting Salary

£21,000

Average Salary

£35,000

Experienced Salary

£50,000

Florist

Starting Salary

£16,000

Average Salary

£18,000

Experienced Salary

£24,000

Gardener

Starting Salary

£16,000

Average Salary

£21,000

Experienced Salary

£22,000

Example Animal Care Careers

Veterinary surgeon

Starting Salary

£30,000

Average Salary

£35,000

Experienced Salary

£50,000

Veterinary Nurses

Starting Salary

£18,000

Average Salary

£22,000

Experienced Salary

£26,000

Animal Care Assistant

Starting Salary

£14,000

Experienced Salary

£24,000

 

Job Information

Key skills needed:

  • Customer service
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Organisation
  • Knowledge of science
wheel

Total No. of jobs

6,000

In South Yorkshire by 2030

100 NEW JOBS created in South Yorkshire by 2028

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU WITH YOUR STUDIES?

WANT TO SEE MORE?

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR PLACE AT AN OPEN DAY

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