Apprentice Animal Trainer Courses
An Apprentice Animal Trainer modifies animal behaviour, trains therapy, service, and performance animals, and guides owners on handling techniques.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Apprentice Animal Trainer
Get qualified to work as a Apprentice Animal Trainer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
ACM20121
Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Get started as an animal carer with the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care. This nationally recognised training course qualifies you for support roles at animal shelters, kennels, pet shops, and wildlife centres. The course covers: feeding and watering animals, cleaning pens and enclosures, assisting with animal health care, communicating with co-workers, keeping safe at work, assisting with animal enrichment and welfare, providing animal first aid, basic grooming, and much more. Enquire now for the f...
Career opportunities
Duration
10 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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ACM30122
Duration
7 months - 21 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Get a job at a pet shop, rescue shelter, or grooming organisation with the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to choose specialist electives in animal care and welfare, pet grooming, or customer service. Career competencies include: understanding animal behaviour, interacting safely with animals, providing basic animal first aid, communicating with clients and your work team, staying safe at work, ensuring the health and wellbeing of anima...
Career opportunities
Duration
7 months - 21 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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ACM40322
Duration
12 months - 20 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The ACM40322 - Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training equips students with essential skills and knowledge to work as animal trainers or practitioners. This qualification is ideal for those interested in animal-assisted services, rehoming, adoption, rehabilitation, or species-specific training. Specialisations include conditioning, training techniques, and interpreting animal behaviour, though they are not mandatory. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles that require ethical practice and c...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 20 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Estimated fee
From $26,850
The Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) offers an understanding of the societal and ethical contexts of conservation biology, animal behaviour, and animal welfare. This degree provides training in retrieving, analysing, and evaluating information pertinent to animal behaviour. It also focuses on effectively communicating this information to diverse audiences. This course is ideal for those seeking to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in animal behaviour within the broader framework of conservatio...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $26,850
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Common questions
How much does an Apprentice Animal Trainer earn?
In Australia, a full time Apprentice Animal Trainer generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for an Apprentice Animal Trainer?
The number of animal attendants and trainers has fallen in recent years. There are currently 4,100 people in this industry in Australia and many are hired as Apprentice Animal Trainers. Apprentice Animal Trainers find work in all areas of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become an Apprentice Animal Trainer?
If you’re thinking of becoming an Apprentice Animal Trainer consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Animal Studies. This six month course covers all the topics you need to succeed in this industry such as animal health, nutrition and hygiene. You may also be able to specialise in areas such as animal behaviour or training.
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Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
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Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
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These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
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These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
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More information
An Apprentice Animal Trainer works with dogs and other animals to modify their behaviour or teach them to follow commands. You might work with one animal at a time or teach a group class like puppy preschool. You might help pet owners to train their animals or work with other organisations training therapy animals, law enforcement and security dogs or performance animals. You may also help to educate owners or handlers on the best way to manage their animals.
Apprentice Animal Trainers need to have excellent communication skills and be able to work well with animals and people. It can be a physically demanding role and you’ll need to be able to work a range of shifts. Apprentice Animal Trainers need a lot of patience and will need to be comfortable being with animals with all sorts of temperaments and behavioural issues. You'll need strong observational skills and an excellent understanding of animal behaviour.
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