Annual wage £9,984.00 Company pension, employee assistance programme and on-site parking Working week Monday to Friday between the hours of 7.45am to 6.15pm. Shifts TBC. Total hours per week: 30.0 Expected duration 18 Months Possible start date 01 Jul 2024 Date posted 05 Mar 2024 Apprenticeship level Intermediate Level 2 (GCSE) Reference number VAC1000235763 Positions 1 available What you will do in your working day At Macfarlane Canine Services, all the dogs are welcomed into carefully chosen social groups of similar size, play styles and energy levels and it is the Dog Care Assistant’s responsibility to ensure that the physical and emotional needs of all the dogs in their care are met. Dogs arrive at the Centre at 8am and go home by 6pm. Throughout the day they are supervised during an array of different social group activities that allow for natural expression of canine behaviour, including play, individual choice and the provision of rest. Under the supportive guidance of skilled and knowledgeable industry professionals the successful candidate will learn the necessary skills required for the role, including: Active supervision and management of dog social groups, including anticipation of behaviours Physical examination and grooming of different breeds of dog Canine body language, dog behaviour and social group dynamics How to plan and implement environmental enrichment activities and reward-based training sessions How to prepare food and frozen Kongs, and feeding the dogs How to facilitate the successful introduction of each dog into the social groups The successful candidate will: Understand the physical nature of the role Maintain the highest standards of hygiene and presentation by cleaning and disinfecting all areas within and surrounding the Centre, including toilets and reception area Undertake laundry duties and any other reasonable duties within the Centre Have the drive and determination to learn and achieve the skills to be proficient in their role and take full advantage of in-house training opportunities Establish good relations with clients Follow all Health & Safety procedures Follow written and verbal instructions accurately The training you will be getting Training will be provided by Myerscough College working towards an Apprenticeship qualification as an Animal Care & Welfare Assistant (Level 2), through a work-based blended delivery programme consisting predominantly of on-site training and assessment within the workplace. Apprentices without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and Maths prior to taking the end-point assessment. What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship Upon completion of the apprenticeship there is no guarantee of any further employment however, the experience gained on this Apprenticeship will allow you to apply for further roles within this sector. Requirements and prospects Desired skills and personal qualities Communication skills, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Team working, Initiative, Patience, Physical fitness Qualifications GCSE or equivalent English & Maths (Grade 4 or higher) Essential Things to consider The successful candidate will be required to work both indoors and outdoors in all weathers.