T Level Animal Care and Management: Skills Targets

The employability and technical skills targets for the T Level Technical Qualification in Animal Care and Management (Level 3). Use these to set and track placement targets for learners on this route.

Employability skills

Communication

• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication: deliver clear and concise verbal messages; use appropriate body language and facial expressions to reinforce messages; tailor communication style to suit different audiences and contexts.
• Active listening and adapting communication style: practise active listening by giving full attention to the speaker and providing feedback; adapt communication style based on the audience's needs and responses; use questioning techniques to clarify and confirm understanding.

Teamwork

• Collaboration and mutual support: work cooperatively with team members to achieve common goals; offer and accept help and support from colleagues; share knowledge and resources to enhance team performance.
• Conflict resolution and constructive feedback: identify and address conflicts in a timely and respectful manner; use negotiation and mediation skills to resolve disputes; provide and receive constructive feedback to improve performance.

Problem-solving

• Critical thinking and decision-making: analyse situations and identify key issues and potential solutions; evaluate options and make informed decisions based on evidence and reasoning; reflect on outcomes to improve future decision-making processes.
• Analysing and evaluating information: gather and assess relevant information from various sources; use analytical tools and techniques to interpret data; develop logical and well-supported conclusions and recommendations.

Time management

• Prioritising tasks and managing time effectively: identify and prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance; create and follow schedules and to-do lists; adjust plans as needed to accommodate changing priorities and deadlines.
• Meeting deadlines and managing workloads: set realistic deadlines and work towards meeting them; balance multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively; use time management tools and techniques to stay organised and productive.

Professionalism

• Adhering to workplace policies and procedures: understand and follow organisational policies and procedures; maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately; demonstrate reliability and accountability in all tasks.
• Demonstrating ethical behaviour and integrity: act with honesty and integrity in all professional interactions; uphold ethical standards and principles in decision-making; show respect and fairness towards colleagues, clients and stakeholders.

Technical skills

• Animal health and welfare: conduct health assessments and monitor animal welfare, administer medication and provide first aid; apply scientific knowledge to assess health indicators, maintain detailed health records, and understand legal and ethical considerations in animal welfare.
• Animal handling and restraint: apply safe and welfare-oriented handling and restraint techniques, using appropriate equipment for different species; demonstrate manual dexterity and physical coordination, understand animal behaviour to minimise stress, and ensure safety for both animals and handlers.
• Biosecurity and disease control: implement biosecurity measures to prevent disease spread and manage zoonotic and notifiable diseases; identify potential biosecurity risks, apply protocols to control disease outbreaks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders about biosecurity measures.
• Nutrition and feeding: formulate and implement feeding plans, understanding nutritional requirements for different life stages; analyse nutritional data, create balanced diets based on scientific principles, and monitor feeding practices to ensure optimal health.
• Environmental management: design and maintain animal accommodation, implementing enrichment activities to promote natural behaviours; apply principles of environmental science to create suitable habitats, use problem-solving skills to address environmental challenges, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Breeding and genetics: support breeding programs and understand genetic principles, monitor reproductive health and assist with breeding procedures; apply genetic knowledge to improve breeding outcomes, maintain accurate breeding records, and use technology to support breeding programs.

Source document attached below.