Solihull College & University Centre is gearing up for the introduction of the new T-Level in Animal Care and Management by investing over £500,000 in upgrading its Animal Welfare facilities. The T-Levels, two-year courses tailored for school leavers in collaboration with leading employers, are designed to meet industry demands by combining classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement.
The much-anticipated T-Level in Animal Care and Management is set to commence in September 2024. The College secured funding of £500,000 as a Building and Facilities Improvement Grant from the T-Levels Capital Fund, and it will match the grant to achieve a total of £600,000 for the project.
The surge in UK dog ownership has fueled the need for enhanced facilities, particularly in the field of dog grooming and handling. The investment will focus on developing state-of-the-art areas equipped with the latest features, including hydro baths, and a dedicated training and exercise zone.
The UK is home to an estimated ten million pet dogs, with approximately 27% of adults owning a dog. This flourishing market has led to a significant demand for professional dog grooming and other animal-related industries.
Head of School for Animal Welfare & Veterinary Nursing, Claire Powell, expressed her enthusiasm for the new facilities, stating, “The College’s commitment to updating our Animal Welfare facilities keeps us at the forefront of animal welfare education. With this new T-Level, our students will be excellently prepared for their future careers.”
Already boasting an impressive Animal Welfare Centre at Blossomfield Campus, which houses a diverse range of animals, including aquatics, reptiles, sheep, donkeys, meerkats, and birds, Solihull College offers a comprehensive selection of animal welfare and veterinary nursing courses. Students from across the West Midlands and beyond choose to enroll in these programs, further solidifying the College’s reputation in the field.
