Animal Care Ad Welfare Apprenticeship AT ONE of the UK's Largest Bird of Prey Centres

The English School of Falconry is one of the UK's largest bird of prey centres, home to over 200 birds of prey. Providing daily flying displays, visitor experience days, educational visits, outside displays, and we work for large companies providing corporate events. They have an opening for an apprentice falconer to join their team.

What you will do

The successful applicant will go on to learn the art of falconry; learning how to:

• Handle, train and fly different species of birds of prey.
• Husbandry, day to day running of the bird of prey centre.
• Trained in giving flying displays, educational talks and visits and running experience days.
• Applicant must have a full clean driving licence.
• Be good at working well on their own as well as working closely with their colleagues, be punctual, enthusiastic, outgoing and confident and have a keen interest in birds of prey.
• No previous experience required, all training will be given.
• This is a challenging position, birds of prey require the best care in all weathers, it is a physically demanding job. However, it is an incredibly rewarding career which has become a way of life.

Training

• You will be working towards the Level 2 Animal Care and Welfare Assistant apprenticeship qualification, and all training will be provided on site during your paid working hours.
• Your day-to-day mentoring will be with your employer, and a combination of online and in-person monthly sessions will be held with your Haddon Training Trainer Coach.

After the apprenticeship

• Will provide the opportunity to go on to work at other zoos, bird of prey centres.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

• You do need to hold a full UK driver's license for this role.

About the employer

• Welcome to Herrings Green Activity Farm, a family-run destination that's home to over 200 majestic birds of prey and a delightful array of friendly farm animals. Nestled in the heart of Wilstead, Bedfordshire, we offer an unforgettable countryside experience for visitors of all ages.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Animal care and welfare assistant (level 2), Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Apprenticeship level: Intermediate (level 2)
• Training provider: HADDON TRAINING LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: This is a full-time position 5 days a week, including weekends & Bank Holidays 8.30am - 5.00pm.
• Start date: 26 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year