Turn Your Passion into a Career with an Animal Management Course
Do you picture yourself caring for cuddly cats and playful dogs at a shelter? Perhaps you envision a more adventurous career studying exotic creatures in their natural habitat?
Animal Management is brimming with exciting possibilities, and The Manchester College's Animal Management course can be your gateway to this fulfilling path.
During our Animal Management takeover, we spoke to our tutors and technicians about why you should apply to Animal Management here at The Manchester College.
Here’s what they had to say!
Meet the animal care team
Victoria Andrews, Animal Management tutor
We asked Victoria - a registered veterinary nurse and member of the British Veterinary Society - why should someone apply to study Animal Management at TMC?:
Our programmes are a gateway to a massively varied career path and offer endless progression opportunities.
“Some of our students go into industry, or onto apprenticeships and universities, some may choose to go into veterinary nursing, focus on behaviours and psychology, the RSCPA and marine biology. We even have a student currently who’s looking at a career in the construction industry and is interested in the effect on wildlife when building.
“We are a small enough department to be extra supportive, but we have the support and the benefits of being part of the wider college. We know all of our students really well; it’s a real community atmosphere. We genuinely want the best for our students.”
Victoria’s words highlight the two key takeaways for prospective students:
- Boundless opportunities: the programme acts as a springboard for a vast array of careers in animal care. Whether your passion lies in veterinary medicine, animal behaviour, conservation, or even the impact of construction on wildlife, this program equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue your goals.
- Supportive Environment: the small size of the department fosters a close-knit community where you'll receive personalised attention and unwavering support from experienced faculty who genuinely care about your success.
Debbie Stevens, Animal Management tutor
Debbie has a degree in marine biology and zoology and worked as a Marine Biologist in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef:
I love it here, it’s a small department but we’re expanding too - we’ve got more courses coming up and will be introducing more animals.
“Our students particularly enjoy being around the exotic animals, I mean, how exciting is it to feed a snake?! We’ve had students who have been frightened of snakes to begin with but now have developed confidence and can get them out without batting an eyelid. It’s amazing to see them overcome their fears.”
This means students can look forward to:
- Learning from a marine biologist: get inspired by Debbie Stevens, who brings her real-world experience working on the Great Barrier Reef into the classroom.
- Exciting encounters with exotic animals: the animal management course offers a unique opportunity to learn about and interact with a diverse range of fascinating creatures.
- Conquer your fears: overcome your anxieties and gain confidence while handling exotic animals and learn how to care for all types of animals.
- More than just knowledge: our Animal Management course goes beyond textbooks, fostering personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom.
Steven Guy, Technician
Steven has worked at the College for 35 years and has experience in British conservation and ecology:
“I enjoy coming in, it’s always a pleasure. One day is never the same. We all get on and work well as a team, which shows how happy the animals and students are.
“I’d say to anyone thinking of applying ‘Don’t hesitate, you could never regret it!’ There’s so much support for you.”
Jayne Shakeshaft, Department Team Lead
Jayne joined the Animal Management team in August 2018, after a 20+ year teaching career:
“Moving into animal management is the best decision I’ve ever made! The programmes offer so much opportunity for students, and the technical nature of the course is so varied and accessible. You’ll be coming into contact with animals you may never have known even existed, or those you’ve only seen on TV.
The best thing about teaching and managing Animal Care is seeing how quickly students make progress and how those with very limited confidence in the beginning grow into themselves.
“We have a lot of parents so grateful and appreciative about just how much support we give the students. I recently received an email from a student’s mother thanking us for caring and supporting her daughter, saying she can now see a future for her in terms of a career and going to university. It’s things like that that make it really worthwhile - it’s the best feeling in the world.
“The course has amazing opportunities available; we even have past students who have now become technicians and work as part of the team, helping build other students’ careers”
This means students will:
- Build confidence and grow: this supportive team is here for you! Jayne and the team are dedicated to helping you overcome challenges and gain the confidence to thrive in animal care.
- Make a difference in their future: experience the joy of transforming your life. The programme's supportive environment empowers you to achieve your goals and make a real impact in the world of animal management.
Enrol onto the Animal Management course at TMC
Ready to turn your love for animals into a rewarding career? The Manchester College's Animal Management Course can be your launchpad!
Gain valuable skills and knowledge from experienced professionals, work with incredible creatures, and build the confidence to thrive in this exciting field.
Don't miss out - enrol today and embark on a rewarding journey that will make a real difference to the lives of animals!