Apprentice Animal Care Assistant
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Company: RSPCA
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Location: Chester Le Street, DH2 3BF
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £19,583.20 per year
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Sector: Agriculture, environmental and animal care
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Ref: NAS-2000031884
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Application Deadline Date: 22/05/2026
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Start Date: 13/07/2026
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Positions Available: 2
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Working Week: 35 hours per week with 20% dedicated to your qualification. 2 week rolling rota, working every other weekend (study time cannot be on a weekend). The hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm with a one hour unpaid lunch. It will also involve working bank holidays.
Brief Description
We are excited to be recruiting for two Animal Care Assistant Apprentices at our Felledge Animal Centre. You'll be joining us as a dedicated team member for the largest animal welfare charity in the UK. You will be attending to the needs of individual animals, including providing exercise/socialisation and grooming, amongst other duties.
Training to be Provided
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. This will take place online or on site at the Animal Centre. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
Future Prospects
We would expect that on completion of your apprenticeship you would become a permanent member of the team, with options to look at various career paths within the RSPCA.
Vacancy Detail
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
- Cleaning animal accommodation for cats, dogs, rabbits, small animals, poultry & farm animals
- Preparing and providing food and water for all animals in the establishment
- Performing regular health checks on all animals and giving medical treatments as prescribed by the centre
- Attending to the needs of the individual animals including providing exercise/socialisation and grooming
- Communicating with the public, representing the RSPCA positively and professionally
- Completing relevant paperwork