TAFE NSW students will put their skills into practice with meerkats, lemurs and alligators all part of a training program offered by TAFE NSW in association with Oakvale Wildlife Park.

TAFE NSW Gosford students studying Certificate III in Captive Animals complete a weekly practical lesson at Oakvale Wildlife Park in Salt Ash as part of their twelve-month course.

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TAFE NSW students have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the life of a zookeeper which includes assisting in the design of exhibit furnishings, preparing animal diets and aiding in training and conditioning programs the zoo has in place.

Upon graduation, TAFE NSW students will be job-ready and fully equipped to work with a broad range of captive animals using the skills they have learnt while training at Oakvale Wildlife Park.

Nelson Bay local and TAFE NSW Graduate Micah Alchin, aged nineteen, participated in the work placement program and is now successfully employed as a full time keeper.

“It was amazing to experience these practical learning opportunities through TAFE NSW before even gaining employment in the industry.

“That experience directly led to me getting a full-time job at the park, which I love,” Micah said.

Micah said that the experience was life changing and has enabled him to get hands-on experience.

“The industry is a lot of hard work and you have to be very motivated and passionate, but there are so many good experiences we get to have with the animals.”

Due to Oakvale Wildlife Park’s hands-on program, more students are able to stay close to home, rather than moving away to study.

“Being able to study at TAFE NSW Gosford was fantastic; the nearest education facility that has a partnership with a captive animal facility is in Sydney and it would have meant having to move away,” Micah said.

Training under TAFE NSW teacher of Animal Care & Management, Deborah Pritchard, students are getting realistic exposure to zoo-life.

“It’s so important for the students to experience the reality of working with animals; immersing themselves in their daily care while observing and learning animal behaviour, health and well-being.

“On completion of their certificates our students have the skills to enter the industry exhibiting animals to the public for recreation, conservation and education purposes with hands-on experience in wildlife husbandry and care,” Ms Pritchard said.

For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

By Tara CAMPBELL