APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Course details
This course will give students an entry point into the animal care industry. This course enables students to develop the skills and knowledge required for the care and maintenance of animals including handling, feeding, grooming, health and hygiene practices.
This course includes a combination of independent online study and on site days at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Choosing to study with the Taronga Training Institute is a great way for high school students to get a vocational qualification while still at school. Students can also gain credits towards their QCE.
Learning of content is completed online independently by the student. The course is presented in an engaging and easy to navigate learning management system which provides the student with access to content, videos, resources, activities and ‘Test Your Learning Quizzes'.
- There are 17 onsite days at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary throughout the studies. Students are required to commit to attending all scheduled classes in Terms 1 – 3 (excluding QLD school holidays). The onsite days will be a consistent day of the week and a schedule of the exact days will be provided at enrolment stage. The onsite sessions consist of:
- 13 x 4 hour sessions onsite at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary covering content review and summary, assessment preparation, and an onsite activity such as a tour, keeper talk, behind the scenes.
- 8 x 3 hour online video sessions focused on a progress check-in and troubleshooting content / assessment questions from students.
- 2 x 5 hour practical assessment days
- 2 x 8 hour facilitated practical days (completion of a morning keeper routine and supporting the Guest Services team in the afternoon). Note: Facilitated Practical Days could be on a different day to the regular scheduled classes. Exact dates of these assessment days will be confirmed at Orientation On Facilitated Practical Assessment days, students will be required to attend Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary from as early as 7.00am. Exact dates and timings will be advised at enrolment stage.
This course as a Certificate II qualification accounts for up to 4 QCE credits. Please be aware that this course does not count towards the student’s ATAR.
The duration of the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care cannot be longer than a student’s high school studies.
Course entry requirements
Must be in Year 11 or Year 12 at school.
Students are expected to independently complete allocated content online as outlined in the training plan prior to attending classroom lessons.
Students are expected to attend all classroom lessons and practical days.
Students must be an Australian Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident or New Zealand Citizen residing in Australia or hold an acceptable visa (with no study restrictions) and be approved by Taronga Training Institute.
Students must be able to make their own way to and from Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Students must have written permission from their school Principal/Careers Advisor/Industry Liaison Officer to participate in the course.
Students must have written permission from a parent/guardian to participate in the course.
Students are required to wear the provided Taronga Training Institute uniform and enclosed footwear at all times when attending Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Students should bring a laptop computer (preferable) or tablet computer to classes.
Units of competency
Core units
ACMWHS201 Participate in Workplace Health Safety processes
ACMGEN201 Work in the animal care industry
BSBCMM211 Apply communication skills
ACMGEN202 Complete animal care hygiene routines
ACMGEN203 Feed and water animals
ACMGEN204 Assist in the health care of animals
ACMSUS201 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Elective Units
ACMGEN309 Provide basic first aid for animals
BSBOPS203 Deliver a service to customers
ACMGEN205 Source and provide information for animal care needs
ACMBEH301 Identify behaviours and interact safety with animals
ACMGEN314 Identify animal anatomy and physiology for animal care work
NOTE: All 12 units (7 core and 5 elective) must be completed successfully to gain the qualification of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care.
Pathways
Successful completion of ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care prepares students for entry level and support roles in the animal care and management industry, where workers provide care for animals in workplaces such as animal shelters, boarding care facilities, sanctuaries and veterinary clinics.
In addition, further study options are available, including:
Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care;
Certificate III in Animal Technology;
Certificate III in Companion Animal Services;
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
Please note Taronga Training Institute only offers Certificate III Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care. The other qualifications listed above can be completed at other registered training organisations.
Please refer to Australian Training Sector website for further details on available courses.
Application process
The Taronga Training Institute is an equal opportunity RTO and encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply to study with us. The application process is used to help determine your suitability to complete the course in conjunction with the support of Taronga Training Institute staff and trainers.
The online application process is used to determine your suitability within the course. Ensure you spend time reading the questions and completing your application before submitting. Please note that the application form is not designed to be completed on a mobile device. Please use a laptop or desktop computer when applying.
All applications must be submitted online during the application opening period. Any applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
Entry Requirements:
Enrolment in this course needs to be coordinated with the students’ school
Students must meet the selection criteria and demonstrate good English and communication skills, both written and verbal, and basic numeracy skills
Applicants will be required to complete an enrolment form in due course. This will be forwarded to the student by their school once a formal offer of a position has been made by Taronga Training Institute
Important: Acceptance into the course will be based on merit (subject to students meeting minimum entry requirements) and is NOT first in first served.
All applicants must:
Read the Course Information above and ensure you can meet the requirements of the course before lodging an application
Read the Taronga Training Institute Student Handbook prior to completing an application
Complete ALL questions in the online application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and cannot progress any further
Read the terms and conditions below before applying - proceed to apply only if you agree and can comply with the conditions
Terms and conditions
Please read carefully before applying
Please see below for terms & conditions and further instructions on how to apply.
To be considered for a position within the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, you must discuss your desire to apply with your Industry Liaison Officer/School Careers Advisor. Together you will need to submit an expression of interest form through the Taronga Training Institute webpage. Expressions of interest sent via email or in paper form will not be accepted.
The completion of the expression of interest form does not constitute enrolment in the course. Once applications close your expression of interest will be evaluated. All applications will be reviewed based on eligibility and merit. Applicants deemed most suitable, based on their response to the selection criteria questions contained within the application may be invited to attend an onsite or online interview after applications close. You may withdraw your application at any stage, prior to being offered/accepting a position.
If successful, a position will be offered in the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care with the Taronga Training Institute. Offers will be made to student and the corresponding student’s school. Schools with successful students will be required to accept or decline their students offer by the required deadline. Schools may withdraw a student’s application at any stage. Payment of fees should be discussed between school and student prior to submission of their expression of interest.
Course fees can be paid in full or in two equal instalments. For students covering the full course cost, the first instalment is due within one week of the offer being made. NOTE: No payment of course fees is required until you are offered a position in the course and the offer being accepted at which time payment of course fees will be required.
You understand that if successful in being offered a position in the course, additional documentation will be requested and required to be submitted within the deadlines given by Taronga Training Institute. Failure to do so may result in the student relinquishing their position in the course.
Students are required to commit to attending all scheduled classes in Terms 1 – 3 (excluding QLD school holidays). Classroom sessions will be a consistent day of the week. The exact onsite schedule and timings will be provided at enrolment stage.
Students will be required to complete two (2) facilitated practical assessment days where they are practically assessed completing a morning keeper routine. Students are then required to gain experience by supporting the Guest Services team in the afternoon. The dates of these assessments will likely fall outside usual day of the week where students attend site. The dates for these onsite assessments will be advised at Orientation.
In order to be eligible to study with the Taronga Training Institute students must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia or a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia.
It is a requirement of this course that students wear the Taronga Training Institute student uniform when attending classroom sessions and onsite practical days. The course fee includes one polo shirt and covers the additional costs of undertaking practical assessments and tours on site at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Additional uniform items can be purchased at $50 per item.
The Taronga Training Institute is committed to minimising its use of paper. Students must have access to a computer to access course material, and upload assessments. The use of a laptop (preferred) or tablet in the classroom is necessary. Students are to be computer literate and able to access the internet to upload and download assessments and course work when required.
If enrolling into a course with Taronga Training Institute, students will be required to access the online student management system on a regular basis to receive and send communications. Students will also be required to complete all content and theory assessment via the online learning management system.
Frequently asked questions
How is this course assessed?
Course assessments are a combination of written answers, reports, case studies, projects, practical activities, observations of students performing tasks, self-assessments and supervisor reports.
What is a facilitated practical day?
As a course requirement, all students must be assessed for specific practical requirements. In order to complete these requirements, it is necessary for students to be observed in a real working environment. A facilitated practical day involves students attending Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and completing these practical requirements under the supervision of a qualified assessor. Morning routines of keeping staff are followed which means students will need to be on site ready for commencement as early as 7.00am.
How much work is involved in an accredited course?
Accredited training through the Taronga Training Institute involves independent online study, mandatory classroom sessions, workshops and assessment days. In addition to these mandatory dates, you will have independent study and research, workbooks and other course related activities. We would expect that you will need to spend between 20-25 hours per week completing your course requirements depending upon your previous knowledge and skills.
Do you deliver courses to international students?
Under our obligations as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), students of the Taronga Training Institute must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia or a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia or hold an acceptable visa (with no study restrictions) and be approved by Taronga Training Institute.
Accordingly, Taronga Training Institute does not currently deliver to students outside of these criteria and we do not delivery any accredited training via overseas or international partnerships.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
When on site, Taronga Training Institute students are required to wear the Taronga Training Institute polo shirt which is provided and included in your course fees. Additional uniform items may be purchased at the start of the course. Please speak to your Support Officer during orientation for further details.
Who is the registered course provider?
Taronga Training Institute, Registered Training Organisation No. 91359, is the course provider. Taronga is a leading wildlife tourism attraction and operates both Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo. All qualifications gained will be issued by Taronga Training Institute.
I have some general questions about studying with Taronga
We have captured most of the questions we have previously received either on our website or in our Student Handbook. Please thoroughly read both platforms and if you still have questions, you can email us at tti@zoo.nsw.gov.au.