Not sure if an apprenticeship is for you?
We caught up with KEITS Alumni, Matthew Barton, iPET Level 2 Animal Care & Welfare Assistant (Distinction) to find out what he is up to now and how his apprenticeship helped shape his future.
Matthew said;
“I have always had a passion for animals and had been looking for a route into the industry for years, when I came across ‘Centre Barks’, who were offering a Level 2 apprenticeship in Animal Care. I felt that I was taking a risk as someone who had been working full time for a few years, but it was the best decision I have ever made!
The course was only a 1 year duration which meant that I could really see a clear end goal immediately from the start. Then, in what felt like no time at all, my EPA had rolled around.
I was very nervous on the day, but my KEITS Training Consultants, Andrea and Anni, were a great support. I also had a very friendly assessor from iPET, that helped me feel at ease. I think that this was a significant factor in me obtaining a distinction grade, which I am very proud of.
Shortly after completing my apprenticeship, I was given a promotion from ‘kennel hand’ to ‘senior kennel hand’, becoming a key member of the team at Centre Barks. I was also given a great opportunity to attend a First Aid course to further strengthen my knowledge and experience in the industry.
Earlier this year, I moved onto my next career step, working with my local council. My current job is ‘Animal Collection/Enforcement Officer’, which is a dream come true! I am now working with dogs that have been abused or lost, and helping them to be re-homed into a better life. This is an incredibly rewarding job that I never thought I would be lucky enough to have! I have put a lot of work in to achieve this, but without the opportunity to start an apprenticeship, I may never have realised my dream at all, and I’ll always be thankful for that.”
We love to hear about all your success stories and what you are up to now. We are so pleased that all Matthew’s hard work and dedication has paid off and he is now in his dream jobs thanks to his apprenticeship.
Good luck in your career Matthew.