Keeper and aquarist
Level 3 · AdvancedAgriculture, environmental and animal care 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A keeper and aquarist cares for animals in zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, and safari parks, ensuring their physical and behavioural wellbeing. Apprentices learn to feed, monitor, and enrich the lives of animals while educating visiting members of the public. The role can lead to senior keeper, curator, or wildlife conservation positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Animal behaviour, biology, and the welfare needs of different species
Safe handling and restraint techniques for the animals in your collection
Nutrition requirements and how to prepare appropriate diets
Habitat design and how to create effective environmental enrichment
Record-keeping for studbook and national collection data
Zoo legislation including Dangerous Wild Animals Act requirements
Conservation education and communicating with the visiting public
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prepare and distribute daily food for animals in your section
Observe animals regularly and record any changes in health or behaviour
Clean and maintain animal enclosures to strict hygiene standards
Design and introduce enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviours
Deliver keeper talks and engagement sessions to zoo visitors
Assist veterinary staff with health checks, treatments, and procedures
Contribute data to national and international species management records
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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