Certificate II in Animal Studies

Training package entry requirements

There are no mandated training package entry requirements.

GOTAFE preferred entry requirements

Before being accepted into the course applicants must:

• Undertake a Pre-training Review to document previous work experience and qualifications and assess suitability for the course
• Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met. (excluding VETDSS Students)
• For Trainees, please apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with your employer to organise your apprenticeship/traineeship contract prior to applying for this course.
• Attend an induction which may be face to face, via skype/Teams or phone
• Must be 16 years and over
• Have access to reliable internet, email and Microsoft teams
• Have physical stamina to safely handle a variety of animals
• It is recommended that all successful applicants be immunised against tetanus and Q fever.

It is also desirable that all applicants:

• Have at least an intermediate level of digital literacy to undertake the online component of the course

Workplace-based applications are required to have a minimum of 15 hours of paid employment in an approved animal care industry and as part of the Pre-training Review, provide previous work experience and qualifications.

Victorian & Tasmanian VETDSS students will have their suitability determined by their school.

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology students will have their suitability determined by CSU - a minimum ATAR of 70 is required.

Assessment methods may include:

• Written assignments
• In class and/or online discussion forums
• Short answer questions
• Animal recognition photographs
• Practical skills demonstration
• Oral assessment – this may be conducted face to face or via skype/phone/zoom
• Third-Party reports

Material fees are dependent on the enrolment type and cover all online and on-campus learning resources and consumables.

The following are recommended texts which are not covered by material fees, they may be borrowed from the library or purchased online. GOTAFE may have a limited number available for purchase. Please note these books are not compulsory.

• Hotston-Moore, P. & Hughes, A., BSAVA Manual of Practical Animal Care, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2007 ISBN: 978-1-4051-3795-9
• Dallas, S. E., & Jewell, S., Animal Biology and Care, ed 3, Wiley-Blackwell, 2014 ISBN : 978-1-118-27606-8

Stationery Requirements:

• Notebooks
• Pens
• Colour highlighters
• Sticky labels

IT requirements include the following access to:

• a computer with reliable internet
• YouTube for viewing training videos
• Adobe for viewing PDF files
• Microsoft Office
• A printer and scanner

Skye Rhodes-Mitchell

It is important that students commit to all course requirements, including study and assessments the student may need to complete outside their normal training sessions.

You must commit to attending all on-campus classes/workshops and work placement requirements.

All students are expected to:

• Complete online study by logging onto the online campus at least twice a week to complete self-paced learning activities
• Attend the weekly webinars, these are recorded and uploaded to the online campus so students who miss the live webinar are able to view the webinar

Workplace-Based Students:

• Will be required to have their supervisor sign off specific tasks within the workplace
• Trainers will attend the workplace 4 times annually to conduct training and assessment - students must be available to meet their trainer at the agreed time and date.
• Complete online study by logging onto the online campus at least twice a week to complete self-paced learning activities

Victorian VETDSS Students:

• Victorian students attend the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre for single-day workshops on each school holiday, April, July and September
• Students are expected to attend the compulsory weekly webinars, these are recorded and uploaded to the online campus so students who miss the live webinar are able to view the webinar
• Students are required to organize their own work placement of 40 hours in an approved animal care industry

Tasmanian VETDSS Students

• Attend a 4-day practical program held in Tasmania.
• All VETDSS students must complete 40 hours of structured workplace learning in an animal care facility.
• Students are expected to attend the compulsory weekly webinars, these are recorded and uploaded to the online campus so students who miss the live webinar are able to view the webinar

B. Veterinary Technology Students:

• Must attend the ASC180 residential school at the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre in line with their residential school's program timetabled by CSU.
• Must complete 80 hours of work placement

On-Campus

• Students must attend the Tone Rd Campus Wangaratta 2 days per week
• Students are required to organize their own work placement of 40 hours in an approved animal care industry

Online

• Students are expected to attend the compulsory weekly webinars, these are recorded and uploaded to the online campus so students who miss the live webinar are able to view the webinar
• Students are required to organize their own work placement of 40 hours in an approved animal care industry
• Students must attend practical workshops at the end of each semester at Tone Rd Wangaratta Regional Study Centre

As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.

Learning support

A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.

Learn more about our learning support services

Library

Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.

Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton

Jobs and study options

Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.

Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres

Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life through your way, we are here to help.

Support for personal issues

We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.

Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you

Disability support

Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.

Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors

Counselling services

We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.

Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.

Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:

• Aspirations/career goals
• Educational attainment and capability
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Enrolment in general public entry courses will require a selection interview. Please call 1300 468 233 to enquire further.

Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.

You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:

Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.