Where will this course lead?

This course study programme is ideal for you if you wish to enter the dog grooming industry and are new to the sector, or if you are currently working in an associated role within a dog grooming salon or canine establishment that offers grooming services.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation will complete end-to-end maintenance grooms on a range of dog breeds and coat types under the supervision of a stylist or salon manager. Maintenance grooms will include assessing the health of dogs, bathing, drying, brushing, trimming and clipping nails of a range of breeds, coat types and health conditions. You will be able to recognise signs and symptoms of ill health including those relating to skin, coat condition and hereditary diseases, as well as indicators of stress, and be able to adapt the groom as required to meet the dog's welfare needs. Those within the occupation will provide customers service from the point of drop off through to collection, including gathering information from the client and providing maintenance advice to the owner. Individuals must maintain safe working practices, taking responsibility for themselves, animals and others, including customers, colleagues and stakeholders, alongside maintaining the cleanliness of the working environment.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following topics:

• Interacting with customers
• Health and safety
• Planning and adapting grooming sessions
• Handling, restraining and moving dogs
• Selection of grooming products and equipment
• Bathing and drying dogs
• Nail clipping
• Coat trimming techniques
• Cleanliness and biosecurity of the workplace
• Canine first aid
• Legal responsibilities of a dog groomer
• Canine anatomy and physiology
• Canine behaviour
• Health and welfare in dogs
• Health checks including normal and abnormal signs of
• Record keeping
• Workplace structures and hierarchies

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of on-the-job and off-the-job training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 6 hours of off-the-job training per week, which includes independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, but you will also receive college master-class workshops from tutors, which may be practical, classroom based, or online.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 2 Dog Groomer Apprenticeship Standard

Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and/or English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

Apprentices will typically spend 16 months on-programme (including EPA period), working towards their apprenticeship standard, with a minimum of 6 hours of off-the-job training per week. Apprentices must complete their portfolio prior to taking their End Point Assessment (EPA).

The EPA consists of three distinct components:

? Observation with questions; an observation of the apprentice undertaking work as part of their normal duties in which the apprentice will demonstrate their skills, underlying knowledge and behaviours. The independent assessor will ask questions in relation to knowledge, skills and behaviours that have not been observed.

? Interview underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence; this will take the form of an interview and portfolio review that will cover all areas of underpinning and applied knowledge, skills and behaviours.

? Knowledge Test; A controlled assessment which consists of a series of questions in which apprentices are asked to provide a response.

All assessments are weighted equally in their contribution towards the apprentice's final grade. Performance in the EPA will determine the apprenticeship grade of fail, pass, merit or distinction.

What are the entry requirements?

In order to gain a place on the course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

To secure a place of study on the Level 2 Dog Groomer programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

• English GCSE Grade 2/E, Level 1 Functional Skills, or equivalent
• Mathematics GCSE Grade 2/E, Level 1 Functional Skills, or equivalent
• Demonstrate a passion for dog grooming
• Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a dog grooming salon or canine establishment that offers dog grooming services for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the animal care sector.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where you will be supported by your apprenticeship coach and work-based mentor.

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some text books for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary. Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can: Continue your employment in the industry or Progress onto the VTEC Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming or a Level 3 Animal Management Qualification.