Apprenticeship - WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition

Job description

WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition

Apprenticeship at NVQ level 2/3

Short description

Mars Petcare are looking for a talented and motivated student with an excellent grounding in animal science / care to undertake an apprenticeship at NVQ Level 2 or 3 (depending on the candidate) at the fundamental science research Centre, WALTHAM.

 

Full description

Working as a unit specialist in the Operations Team, you will be responsible for ensuring that our animals are cared for in line with our WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition welfare standards and policy. This high standard of care ensures that our animals are fit and fully prepared to participate in our research programme and for the effective generation and collection of data from research trials paving the way for Mars Petcare to produce world-class pet care products.

The role is both challenging and rewarding being at the forefront of research and pet care operations at WALTHAM.  The purpose of the Operation Team is to produce high quality innovative science data that is conducted in a caring way.  This Unit Specialist placement is integral to delivering this by the provision of data from research trials and the delivery of trial support, including the individual care, development and maintenance of our pets.

As part of the team, you will be responsible for all elements of pet care.  This will include the following: 

• Delivery of training and habituation of pets

• Accurate collection and recording of all relevant data

• Weighing and recording bodyweights and reporting any changes

• Delivering all pet care and husbandry on the designated unit e.g. grooming

• Monitoring and reporting pet health status, handling pets for veterinary examinations and  procedures and administering daily treatments and periodic vaccinations

• Carrying out behavioural programmes for pets with special needs

In exchange for your drive and enthusiasm, we offer you the chance to experience different aspects of the Research and Development environment and will support development of your science and care skills in a business context that rewards creativity and personal responsibility. In addition to a high level of training, the successful applicant will gain access to a variety of science, animal care, and business focused personal development tools.

 

Working week

·  37.5 hours

 

Shift pattern

·  8am – 4pm including weekends and bank holidays
·  Lunch break 30min per day
·  Up to 7 day working shift pattern
·  This role requires you to work rota and therefore you will be expected to work frequent weekends and bank holidays, this includes Christmas

 

Future prospects

Interview for permanent Associate role as a Unit specialist at Mars which will incur an increase in job level and pay.

 

Skills required

·  A good level of numeracy and computer literacy to ensure the accuracy of data collection and data handling required of the role
·  Good team morale and ability to form effective relationships with their peers
·  Hardworking, motivated with a can-do attitude
·  Customer focus to care for the pets and deliver research outcomes
·  Motivation to learn and study towards an animal care qualification

 

Qualifications required

·  GCSEs: Maths and English (grade C minimum) and preferably a scientific GCSE (grade C)
·  Please note, this role is apprentice level and therefore you cannot apply for this role if you have a degree level education.

 

Personal qualities

·  Good communication,  planning and organisation skills and a proven ability to work in a team
·  A flexible working style and good attention to detail
·  Good time keeping standards
·  A love and passion for animals and an understanding of animal ethics and welfare.
·  An understanding of the use of animals in research.

 

Training provided

·  College supported training and materials. Full details and framework including NVQ, Technical Certificate, Employer Rights & Responsibilities and Functional Skills will be discussed at time of assessment/interview.
·  Full training will be provided to the apprentice.

 

Other important information

·  A driving license and access to a vehicle is preferable due to our location.
·  Applicants must be 16 or over and completed their GCSE’s.

 

Application timings

·  Closing date for applications: 7 th April 2017
·  First stage screening: April/May 2017
·  Interviews: June 2017
·  Start date: August 2017

 

Why is this role so great? Two current apprentices tells us…

“The Mars apprenticeship has given me the tools and facilities needed to help build my career for working with animals. It’s such an amazing opportunity to be able to learn and develop my skills in such a fantastic environment and have everyone’s help and vast amount of knowledge around me. I have learnt so much and so fast from such experienced people and really feel that Mars has built me into a valuable member of the team.”

“Becoming a Unit Specialist Apprentice has given me the opportunity to enhance my educational profile by working towards a recognised qualification as well as providing me with a chance to gain world leading industrial animal work experience. I feel privileged to be a part of the caring research we carry out and it fills me with great pride to watch our pets at WALTHAM successfully progress through the training programs we put together.”

 

Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition – Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire

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