If this is your primary motivation for undertaking this course of study you may be disappointed to learn that working with animals involves much to ensure they are safe, healthy, fed and stimulated and not a lot to do with sitting and cuddling animals.

The course consists of two face to face on site days (a theory day and placement day) and a minimum of 8 – 10 hours per week of self-directed study in your own time and premises.

Classes will have a theory day on Wednesday each week.

Your second day per week will be a placement/practical day within Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Weekend days will be an option as well as weekdays which are not your theory day. Preferences again will be taken for placement days but your preference, and what works with numbers to ensure the best placement day experiences for students, may result in you not getting your preference.

In addition to the theory day and placement day, students are expected to commit up to an additional 8 – 10 hours each week for self-directed study in their own time and premises:- writing up class notes, work placement journals and completing research and assessment tasks.

The theory days run between 9am to 4pm onsite at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. They are delivered in a classroom style setting with a teacher. These theory days will include knowledge sessions to develop your understanding of key animal care practices. Our theory days incorporate some interesting hands on animal related activities that give students the chance to apply the knowledge they have learnt.

Placement days are worked alongside Bonorong staff. You will learn husbandry skills and complete the tasks required to complete the accredited courses. Students undertake an amazing variety of tasks that will involve working in and around animal enclosures. Tasks can include completing the enclosure cleaning and animal care routines for a variety of animals, participating in the daily enrichment program and daily health program for a variety of animals. Health program tasks include cleaning, raking, sourcing native grasses and plants for animal diets.

The practical nature of this course is very important to highlight. The placement days are very physical. The types of physical tasks that students would undertake include picking up and carrying buckets of feed and water that could weigh up to 10kgs, pushing wheelbarrows up hills, walking on uneven ground, raking on slopes, and climbing over small walls. We will teach you safe manual handling techniques so that these types of jobs can still be completed each day.

Wildlife keeping is a strenuous and diverse job and Bonorong is a hive of activity. We work very hard and will expect the same of you.

Please contact us via email study@bonorong.com.au if you have any questions regarding the physical nature of the course.

You will need to be motivated and task focused to complete the certificate in the timeframe the course is delivered in. Self-directed study is conducted in your own time and premises, and will include completing your written assessment questions, writing out your notes and researching for assignments. Self directed study requires discipline and an efficient use of your time. The minimum time students should schedule for self directed study is 8 – 10 hours per week.

If you think that you might have some RPL that that is relevant and would meet the subject requirements, you must mention this at your interview.

RPL applications will need to be carefully documented and reviewed and meet all the course criteria, these applications will be on a case-by-case basis. There will be a fee for an RPL assessment.

Students would need to provide current valid evidence with their application. These courses sit under the newest release of nationally accredited qualifications. Previous study may not completely align due to the unit updates. Work experience and short courses typically do not meet full course requirements.

Buses are not a viable option to travel out to Bonorong. Ideally you must have access to a car or someone who can drop you out at Bonorong each day that you are required to be there. In the past we have had students car pool with each other. However if they are unwell or can’t make it you also miss out on that day. With a high content of delivery each week, missing a day may result in you falling behind. You must have your own way organised to get to Bonorong each day. A lot of the case studies and medication treatment plans are conducted first thing in the morning so it is vital that students arrive on time to participate in these.

Fee $ 3,850

All course handouts will be provided to the student.

Students don’t have a specific uniform, however will be required to wear shoes appropriate for uneven ground and neat clothing suitable to be outside, suitable for working with animals and suitable for a high volume tourism business. It is preferred that jewellery not be worn and we hold the right to ask you to remove any jewellery we deem inappropriate or dangerous (birds could pull out etc).

For your safety, it is also essential that you wear walking/work boots, with a good tread.

Students are also required to wear long trousers and pack suitable clothing for all weather types each day.

If you have your own laptop, students may like to bring these to theory days.

Course duration is usually over 2 school terms.

The next intake hasn’t been cofirmed, please register your interest to e the first to know when that is.

Students need to be at least 18 years of age and not attending full time school or working full time.

No. Students will be selected based on the application process.

Yes! Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is in partnership with a Registered Training Organisation called Link Education RTO 60154 to deliver this nationally accredited course.

ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care

We operate a high volume visitor facility and we want to ensure the safest environment for our staff, students and visitors. We will follow current health directives.

International students must evidence vocational English as per the Australian government standard for skilled migration. Students need to independently prepare for and obtain this standard.

International students must also have the right to study in Australia under the conditions of their visa. We are not authorised to support visa applications for international students.

Yes! We offer a payment plan for students who cannot offer the fees up front. The payment plan is $1500 on enrolment and then the balance is paid as per a payment plan - usually across two or three remaining instalments. Final payment of any outstanding fees is required before a certificate can be issued.