Greyhounds as Pets (GAP) WA and Applied Vocational Training (AVT) are partnering to facilitate a short-term intensive course in animal care and welfare.
The nationally recognised course, ACM20117 Certificate II in Animal Studies Intensive (Animal Care and Welfare), is provided by AVT who provide training for students seeking a career in animal care.
From 16 February, GAP, will welcome AVT students into GAP to share in the dedication and care that goes into the greyhounds’ journey from retirement to adoption.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s Manager Animal Welfare Dr Anna Smet said GAP is proud to be welcoming AVT students to the GAP facility in Southern River.
The partnership with GAP will help to ensure that students complete their qualification with the practical experience required to be ready for a range of different roles in the animal care industry,” Anna said.
“We are pleased that the GAP adoption program will help to equip AVT’s students with the practical skills they need to enter the animal care industry. We welcome the high standard of students undertaking AVT’s unique and strongly welfare-focused qualification, which GAP is pleased to support and look forward to sharing with them what great pets retired greyhounds make.”
Students undertaking the course will spend one day per week at the GAP kennels and at another leading Perth animal welfare and rehoming organisation, the Cat Haven, undertaking practical training towards achieving the following course objectives:
- fundamental principles of working and volunteering in the animal care industry.
- understanding body language in animals.
- low-stress handling.
- enrichment in an animal care environment including mental stimulation, exercise and feed planning and socialisation.
- increasing an animal’s potential for rehoming.
- animal health and well-being including first aid for animals and much more.
AVT’s General Manager, Sue Bain, said the 14-week course is one of the quickest ways to gain this nationally recognised qualification and obtain valuable experience in local rehoming and kennel facilities.
“The skills and knowledge the students will learn can be applied in rehoming and adoption organisations or across a broad range of animal care facilities in commercial organisations,” Sue said.
“We are dedicated to providing students with a pathway in the animal care industry. On successful completion, AVT will issue students with a qualification that will be recognised and respected amongst industry organisations.”
More information on the course can be viewed here.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation (#5273)
