Dog Care Apprentice
(Paws & Pause)

This is an exciting opportunity for two new apprentices to join a Dog day care with a difference. Paws and Pause look after South London’s dogs while running a trainee programme for people overcoming barriers to work (mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and long-term unemployment).

Duties will include but not limited to;

• Supervising and engaging with groups of dogs during play and rest time
• Supporting with feeding, cleaning, and maintaining a safe environment
• Learning basic training and enrichment techniques
• Assisting with dog health checks and wellbeing monitoring
• Helping on customer-facing tasks (drop-off, pick-up, feedback)
• Opportunities to get involved in wider projects  social media, events, and supporting our trainee programme

Desired Skills & Qualities:

• Loves dogs and enjoys being around them in all their muddy, slobbery glory
• Reliable, punctual, and happy to muck in with all aspects of the job (including cleaning!)
• Good communication skills and a positive, can-do attitude
• Team player, but confident to use initiative when needed
• Resilient and calm under pressure (lots of dogs = lots of energy!)

Desired qualifications:

• None essential. Animal care experience is a bonus, but not required — full training given.

Future progression:

• Many of our team have started as trainees/apprentices and progressed into permanent staff and even leadership roles.

Training

• Full training to be provided by the employer and KEITS at the place of employment.
• The applicant will be working towards a Level 2 Apprenticeship
• The learner will be allocated an industry specific training consultant who will provide both remote and on site visits throughout the apprenticeship.
• The apprentice will work towards an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of their apprenticeship.

Things to consider

• You’ll be part of a social enterprise making a difference to both dogs and people
• Apprentices get hands-on experience from day one in a busy daycare environment
• Opportunities to grow into roles in dog care, training, grooming, or social impact work
• Previous trainees and apprentices have gone on to management roles, further study, and careers in animal care
• KEITS Training Services Ltd reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the listed closing date should the need arise.
• Applicants may not hear if they are unsuccessful due to the popularity of our vacancies.
• The apprentice will be working to build a portfolio of evidence and will be required to pass a knowledge test and an End Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the apprenticeship.
• To Apply click ‘Apply for this Role’ and for our top tips on how to fill out your application form click here