Summary We have an exciting opportunity for as an Apprentice Animal Welfare Assistant within our busy independent shelter, working directly with the dogs and cats that come through our shelter gates. You would be part of a dedicated passionate team rescuing rehabilitating and rehoming dogs and cats that need a second chance. Wage £15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Training course Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2) Hours 40 hour working week with alternating weekends. Working hours of 8.00am - 5.00pm. 40 hours a week Start date Monday 30 March 2026 Duration 1 year 3 months Positions available 1 Work Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience. What you'll do at work Feeding dogs and cats in care, following diet plans Administering and recording medication Daily cleaning of kennels and the cattery of spot cleaning and a weekly deep clean of all facilities Record keeping of the animals in care Walking dogs of varied sizes, breeds, temperaments and backgrounds Temperament testing animals prior to them going up for rehoming to the public Cat and kitten socialisation and development Following behaviour plans for animals in care when necessary General husbandry and duties around site Occasional reception cover during lunch hours or absences Following an animal through their journey from relinquishment to adoption Dealing with the public in house and externally via telephone and email regarding rehoming enquiries and adoptions Competently using our in house database for record keeping and animal care Taking part with in house fundraising events and being part of a team helping to raise money for our vital work Where you'll work Worcs Animal Rescue Shelter Hawthorn Lane Newland MALVERN WR13 5BD Training Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills. Training provider WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE Training course Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2) Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab) Training schedule Pet first aid Shadowing and coaching from an experienced team member In house training for Fire safety, manual handling, and Health & Safety Ongoing in house training for dog and cat behaviour, and dog attack training Requirements Essential qualifications GCSE in: Maths & English (grade 3/D) Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know. Skills Communication skills IT skills Attention to detail Organisation skills Customer care skills Problem solving skills Team working Initiative Non judgemental Patience Physical fitness Other requirements We are all weather site, so there is a lot of outdoor work in all weathers. A good level of physical fitness is desired. About this employer Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter opens its doors to abandoned, unwanted and mistreated animals in need of urgent care. Our main aims are to give shelter, medical treatment and care, and, of course, to rehome cats, dogs and ex-battery hens. The Shelter is run by a dedicated team of staff and enthusiastic volunteers wanting to ease the distress of animals that, through no fault of their own, are abandoned, unwanted or mistreated. Our enclosed site has beautiful views of the Malvern Hills, and is set up with kennels for up to twenty six dogs and a cattery containing twelve pens. The staff and their team of volunteers ensure all dogs and cats are given individual attention with plenty of exercise and training, as well as love and attention. https://www.wars.org.uk (opens in new tab) After this apprenticeship This would all depend on circumstances of the shelter and staffing in house, but this apprentice could set someone up for a chance to apply for further education or enable them to get into the industry with great experience in a busy charity setting. Ask a question The contact for this apprenticeship is: WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016934.