Students embarking on animal care careers at West Nottinghamshire College have been given a rare and inspiring glimpse into their future profession. The college's animal care curriculum launched the new year with a dedicated industry week, connecting learners directly with experts from across the sector.
Hands-On Experience with Exotic Creatures
The week was packed with interactive sessions designed to move beyond textbook learning. One standout visit came from Kristen Harness of Lion Learners, a former primary school teacher who changed career to animal handling. She brought a fascinating array of animals for students to hold and observe, including a blue-tongued skink lizard, rabbits, a corn snake, a desert blonde tarantula and a lesser hedgehog tenrec.
Kristen provided a candid insight into running her own business, visiting settings like schools, and emphasised the significant time dedicated to animal welfare, cleaning, and logistical planning.
From Hedgehog Rescue to Police Dogs
The breadth of potential careers was a central theme. Dawn Haynes from The Hogs of Winterfell Hedgehog Rescue shared her experiences rehabilitating hedgehogs injured in road accidents or suffering from parasites. She brought along Noel, a hedgehog in her care since Christmas Day, being treated for worms and underweight issues.
In a dramatic shift, PC Dean Allen from Nottinghamshire Police attended with tracker dog Niko. He detailed the intensive training police dogs undergo for duties ranging from crowd control to detecting weapons and supporting serious crime investigations by locating evidence like blood traces.
Mapping Out Career Pathways
Further sessions helped students navigate their next steps. Representatives from Bottle Green Training, Jo Dobb and Cheryl Hambleton, outlined post-college routes, including Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare apprenticeships and Level 3 Veterinary Nursing apprenticeships. They highlighted the flexibility of veterinary nursing, which can span small animal, equine, and zoo work.
Laura Bacon, people and nature officer for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, introduced a wildlife challenge and spoke about jobs across the UK's 47 wildlife trusts. An online session with Claire Pearce from the Institute of Animal Technology revealed the specialist role of animal technologists in laboratory welfare and medical research.
Additional visitors included Alan Barnes from Guide Dogs for the Blind with guide dog Windsor, Gemma from Coxmoor Kennels, and Kevin Heron from the Army careers team with a working dog.
Preparing for a Demanding Sector
The week concluded with a strong emphasis on the varied, rewarding, yet demanding nature of animal care careers. Programme area leader for animal care, Polly Wiltshire, stated: "Industry week is vital for our students because it gives them exposure to specialists and careers they simply wouldn't experience in the classroom alone. Hearing honest accounts of the challenges, responsibilities and business realities of working with animals helps students make informed decisions about their futures."
The event, held at the college's campus in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, successfully broadened students' understanding, preparing them for the real-world expectations of animal care professions.
