Overview
Animal technicians look after animals in research laboratories and veterinary colleges/ universities and pharmaceutical companies. They have to know and follow strict guidelines in the welfare of animals as set out by law.
Activities
- Feed the animals
- Monitor their weight and growth
- Carry out health checks, to make sure the animals are clean and comfortable
- Clean out cages and pens
Organisations
Animal technicians can work in small or large organisations within universities, medical and vet colleges, pharmaceutical companies, laboratory animal breeders and research organisations.
Workplaces
Working indoors within a laboratory setting, you would be required to be on your feet for most of the day, going from each animal to carry out checks and make sure they are safe and well.
Working Hours
A typical working week would be 38-40 hours per week.
Salary
Starting salary £17,000
Qualifications
You may need some GCSEs and gain a Level 1 Diploma in Animal Care and then progress to a Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant. Working with animals or in a lab may help improve your chances of finding a job or training. You could get work experience on a farm, in kennels, an animal welfare centre or zoo or in a laboratory setting.
You could also apply for an apprenticeship. If you have an EHCP you may be able to apply under the Dfe exemption which allows the apprentice to use Entry level 3 English and Maths qualifications. The apprentice would have to be competent enough to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in English and Maths before the end of their apprenticeship.