Paignton Zoo Opportunity for SDC
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- Created on Thursday, 26 July 2012 14:46
SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE have announced their first joint training venture with Paignton Zoo Environmental Park to teach their Countryside Management and Environmental Conservation learners.
From September 2012, students on the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Coast, Countryside and Environment will get the opportunity to work within the Zoo’s facilities two days a week; undertaking estate maintenance and learning a number of environmental conservation techniques. The College will have a purpose-made classroom in the Zoo’s Education Centre which includes modern IT facilities and all tools and uniform will be provided. Units will cover: land-based business; environmental studies; estate maintenance; conservation & improvement of British habitats; ecological surveys & techniques and coastal zone Management.
“Paignton Zoo are a strong local employer who we haven’t had the pleasure of working with previously, and I am very pleased that next year will see our first joint venture with a cohort of Countryside and Environment students,” said Head of Science and Technology at South Devon College Simon Friend, “We are building much stronger relationships with employers in order to provide our learners with invaluable practical work experience – just what employers want – in highly specialist environments and habitats, and alongside outstanding teaching from experts in their field. We are very excited to be able to offer our learners this unique learning opportunity.”
“As a leading education and conservation charity, we have qualified and specialist teachers who are really looking forward to delivering the course in partnership with South Devon College,” said Lisa Stroud, Head of Education at Paignton Zoo, “We are expanding and strengthening partnership delivery with Further Education providers, enabling us to share our considerable knowledge and expertise with those pursuing careers in the conservation field.”
South Devon College offer a number of land-based studies and animal care courses, many taught at their own on-site animal care unit, home to: meerkats; marmoset monkeys; chipmunks; tropical frogs; parrots; ferrets; goats; mini-ponies; pigs; rabbits; snakes; lizards; spiders and stick insects to name but a few. This summer they will be joined by emu and chickens.
