Millie began her apprenticeship journey with KEITS on the Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare programme, where she worked hard to develop her knowledge, practical skills and understanding of animal care. Her dedication paid off when she achieved a fantastic Distinction in her End-Point Assessment (EPA).
Having successfully completed Level 2, Millie was keen to continue developing her skills and knowledge, progressing onto the Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist apprenticeship. Now, after further hard work and commitment, we’re thrilled to share that Millie has successfully passed this qualification too!
Throughout her three-year journey, Millie has gained invaluable hands-on experience working within the bird section at Dudley Zoo and Castle, developing into a confident and capable keeper.
Her apprenticeship has provided opportunities to put her learning into practice through some fantastic projects. As part of her coursework and EPA preparation, Millie designed and built an enrichment feeder device for the ibis, helped develop training plans for the parrots and birds of prey, and even managed a penguin encounter for zoo visitors.
One of Millie’s proudest achievements was developing and implementing a target training plan for one of the zoo’s green aracaris. Seeing the training progress successfully allowed her to apply her understanding of positive reinforcement and animal behaviour, while contributing directly to the bird’s welfare and future husbandry needs.
A journey recognised by her assessor and employer
Millie’s assessor, Anni, has thoroughly enjoyed supporting her throughout her apprenticeship journey and watching her development over the last three years.
Anni said:
“It has been brilliant to watch Millie’s knowledge and skills develop over the last 3 years, as well as her confidence in herself. I would always look forward to my visits with Millie or reading through her coursework submissions, because it was great to see how enthusiastically she threw herself into every challenge or task set to her.
“I’m so pleased with Millie’s achievements, she has really earned every accolade and she is a credit to the fantastic workplace who have supported her throughout her apprenticeship journey and beyond.”
Millie’s manager Kris (Head of Birds at Dudley Zoo and Castle) also praised her hard work and the support she has received from colleagues and her course tutor.
Kris said:
“Millie has worked hard to complete both the Level 2 and 3 KEITS Apprenticeships, with her colleagues and course tutor offering much support. She is a great representation of the hard work needed to become a zookeeper and is a credit to the workplace.
“Overall, we at the zoo are very proud of Millie and all that she has achieved during her time on the KEITS.”
Looking ahead
Reflecting on her journey, Millie explained how the two apprenticeships have helped her grow both professionally and personally:
“Throughout my time at Dudley Zoo and Castle, I have developed my practical skills, knowledge, and confidence, growing from an apprentice into a more capable and knowledgeable keeper.
“This journey has strengthened my passion for animal welfare, conservation, husbandry, and animal training, while encouraging me to continue learning and developing within the profession.”
Millie’s journey is a wonderful example of how apprenticeships can provide the knowledge, practical experience and confidence needed to build a rewarding career in the animal care industry.
We’re incredibly proud of everything Millie has achieved and would like to thank Dudley Zoo and Castle for their continued support and commitment to developing the next generation of animal care professionals.
A huge congratulations, Millie, from everyone at KEITS! We wish you every success as you continue your career in zookeeping.