Job opportunities

Animal Attendant Apprentice

The City of London Corporations Heathrow Animal Reception Centre (HARC) provides care and accommodation to the huge variety and quantity of animals that pass-through Heathrow airport each year.  The HARC team are at the forefront of enforcing the welfare of animals in transport and ensuring that the animal health and public protection is upheld.  

This is an exciting time to join this busy team as an Apprentice Animal Attendant, as we see more pets and other animals than ever at the UK’s busiest airport.  Typical daily duties include kennel and cattery husbandry, carrying out welfare checks and ensuring compliance with animal health and welfare regulations. Caring for exotic species on site is also a key task, with a number of reptiles and other taxa regularly accommodated on site.  And the non-typical days are often extraordinary, with zoo animals and other special arrivals also needing care. 

This position will be suitable for someone who has a basic knowledge (Level 2 or equivalent) and would like to develop their skills and knowledge with a Level 3 apprenticeship to become a fully qualified Animal Attendant. 

Full training will be given as part of this apprenticeship which will lasts for 24 months.   

Significant training is also available as the role includes liaising with pet owners, working on the airport, using machinery to transport large shipments, safely handling hazardous species and more.  

You will ideally need to hold a driving license and be able to work within a regulatory environment, checking documentation against multiple legislative requirements. You will study towards a Level 3 Zookeeper and Aquarist qualification whilst also developing practical experience in the workplace. 

 We are looking for dynamic individuals with high attention to detail, who can demonstrate strong customer service and great interpersonal skills, alongside developing their animal welfare skills and knowledge. You need to  have your own transport and be able to commute to HARC easily due to the nature of the shifts.  Weekend or unsocial hours working will be required as HARC is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   

It is recommended that applicants review the City of London’s Heathrow Animal Reception Centre website before applying for the role to ensure they have an understanding of our core functions: Heathrow Animal Reception Centre - City of London 

This apprenticeship role is based at Heathrow Animal Reception Centre and will last for 24 months (including time to complete your End Point Assessment).

If you are enthusiastic and committed to achieving your Level 3 Animal Attendant qualification and are eligible to apply, we would love to hear from you.

To qualify for this apprenticeship, you will need to be:

• Be over 18 by the end of the summer holidays
• Living in England
• Not in full-time education at the time of applying
• If you are a non-UK citizen – you need to have permission from the UK government to live in the UK (not for educational purposes) and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years before the start of the apprenticeship.

Selected apprenticeships require evidence of English and Maths GCSE Grade C/5 or equivalent.

If we request specific qualification evidence it will be required before applications are considered, please send copies of your certificates and application reference number to .

Prior learning: If you have prior learning e.g., a similar or higher level of qualification like the apprenticeship we will be unable to consider your application as your prior learning will not meet the funding rule criteria. If you have prior experience in a similar role to the apprenticeship your experience may also exclude you from an apprenticeship.