Delivered in partnership with Box Hill Institute (RTO ID: 4687), this course provides general training for people seeking employment in the animal care industry and foundation skills and knowledge for those who wish to pursue further studies in this area.
Instruction around day to day duties and care will include feeding, maintaining hygiene and housing, grooming, observation and ensuring animal safety and well-being. There is an element of customer service, as well as providing information on products and services.
Watch the video below to learn more about the course and see the kinds of activities you are required to do when you take part.
This is a highly intensive course that runs over approximately 15 weeks.
Face-to-face delivery is held at RSPCA Burwood East and will involve working hands-on with a variety of animals including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, sheep, guinea pigs, goats, horses, cows and chickens.
A large component of this course is delivered via an online learning platform and requires students to independently manage their study. There is a commitment of an estimated 3-4 hours per week required to meet all assessment requirements.
Participants will be assessed via completion of online tasks and skill demonstrations: ie written and verbal assignments, practical work, class participation and projects and/or written tests.
This course comprises a total of twelve (12) units of competency. Students must successfully complete seven (7) core units and five (5) non core units.
Core Units
ACMWHS201 Participate in the OH&S process
ACMGAS201 Work in the animal industry
ACMGAS202 Participate in workplace communication
ACMGAS203 Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGAS204 Feed and water animals
ACMGAS205 Assist in the healthcare of animals
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Non Core Units
ACMGAS206 Provide basic first aid for animals
ACMGAS209 Provide information on companion animals products and services
ACMGAS208 Source information for animal care needs
ACMSPE304 Provide basic care of dogs
ACMSPE305 Provide basic care of domestic cats
Attendances
You must attend:
Seven intensive teaching days (at RSPCA Burwood East)
These run Monday to Friday, 8am to 430pm.
Four days practical workplace training and assessment
These days run from 8am to 4pm and are held on weekdays. The practical work placement and assessment will include physical activities such as walking dogs, cleaning a variety of animal enclosures, feeding, packing and unpacking goods, grooming farm and companion animals, store room work and paddock care.
Assessment day
Held on a weekday during normal business hours. Times are confirmed closer to the day.
Important Information
This program is not a VETiS Program
This program does not provide credits towards the ATAR score for VCE students
This program does provide credit points towards VCAL (this is calculated on the basis of 1 credit point per 90hrs up to a maximum of 2 credit points).
This course has a significant practical component with a focus on employability skills. Applicants must possess the communication skills and physical ability to perform practical work placement in the animal care industry.
Vocational education and training for animal assistants is work-based. Work placement is provided at the RSPCA Burwood East and is necessary in order to provide access to an appropriate animal workplace, a qualified workplace supervisor, exposure to appropriate workload and practice in the skills necessary to successfully complete this course.
You must:
be 17 years or older
be available to attend ALL classes at RSPCA Burwood East
available to participate in weekday work placement at RSPCA Burwood East
have access to your own Wi-Fi device to access online resources and assessments
After your application has been received a phone interview will be undertaken with one of our Education Officers. Your application will then be assessed and you will be notified, via email, of the outcome.
2019 Course fees
Valid Government Concession Holders: $1031.50
Government Subsidised: $2,786.50
Full fee: $6,066.50 *A full break down of fees can be found here.
Eligibility to a government subsidised place depends on meeting certain criteria. For information regarding eligibility for a government subsidised place please review the Box Hill Institute TAFE Fees and Charges. All students' fees are determined by Box Hill Institute and are payable at time of enrolment.
Please note that currently enrolled high school students are not eligible for a government subsidised place.
NB: these costs are estimates only and an increase to these may occur.
Please note: It may be necessary to cancel or postpone courses due to insufficient enrolments or funding changes. This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government Funding.
After completing this course many students go on to study a Certificate II in Animal Technology, Certificate III in Captive Animals, Certificate III in Grooming, Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services or Certificate IV in Veterinary at Box Hill Institute.
Below are examples of roles at the RSPCA, and the key responsibilities as well as training that you might need to undertake.
Box Hill Institute has a number of courses to further your studies, experience and knowledge. More information can be found on their website, Box Hill Institute.
Below you will find a summary of some of the courses they have on offer.
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