Planning, managing, delivering and reviewing the training of animals.
This occupation of Animal Training Instructor ATI is found in animal rescue, rehoming and rehabilitation centres, animal and disability charities, public service providers, security and Defence, search and rescue agencies, zoos and safari parks, commercial animal training companies and sole-providers of animal training.
The occupation varies dependent on species. The occupation enables animals to be used in different ways. This could include supporting companionship, assistance, competition, entertainment and security. In some cases, animal training is a critical addition to delivering health and welfare by enabling the animal co-operative care.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to plan, manage and deliver the humane training of animals, with particular emphasis on tailoring training to suit a diverse range of guardians and environments. The term guardian' covers owners, keepers, handlers and related stakeholders..
ATIs plan, teach and manage animal training that incorporates positive, reward based training methods. They work with guardians to help them introduce and reinforce desirable behaviours and avoid or modify undesirable behaviours. This may involve training the animal to undertake specific tasks, or more general training. They develop and adapt training plans to deliver appropriate goals at an appropriate rate. They will often train, mentor or supervise less experienced staff, colleagues or guardians.
Working patterns could involve irregular hours and operating in all weather conditions.
ATIs are required to show empathy, respect, patience, and tolerance in all situations to people and animals.
In their daily work, an ATI interacts with a diverse group of guardians and their animals. Guardians could have specific physical, emotional or medical needs and be working in complex, constrained, high-profile or dangerous environments and situations.
The ATI may be required to work with other professionals such as, behaviourists, veterinary surgeons, healthcare providers, para-professionals and colleagues to assess the animal, develop, deliver and adapt the training plan.
An ATI will be responsible for the safety and welfare of animals, guardians, other colleagues and animals and themselves. They must ensure that all training is carried out appropriately and in a suitable environment.
An ATI is responsible for ensuring the training plan is relevant, effective, fit for purpose and under continuous review.
An ATI must ensure that training complies with relevant animal welfare and veterinary legislation for example, the Animal Welfare Act 2006; Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966; Animal Welfare (Sentience) 2022.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 12 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 1 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
Project with report
You will complete a project and write a report. You will be asked to complete a project. The title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 3000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 12 weeks to complete the project and submit the report to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 45 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 5 questions about the project and presentation.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, end-point assessment plan and funding band revised | 14/10/2024 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 22/11/2018 | 13/10/2024 |
Crown copyright © 2025. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence