The Orang-utan is the largest tree dwelling (arboreal) animal in the world
FAQ
- What does Certificate II in Animal Studies give me?
- What sort of jobs can I get with Certificate III in Captive Animals?
- Do you deliver by correspondence/to International Students?
- How long is the course?
- How much work is involved?
- When and how often are the classroom sessions?
- Can I get an extension on assessments?
- What are the practical requirements?
- When can I do my practical?
- What do I do during practical?
- What do I wear for practical?
- Do I get to handle animals?
- How easy is it to get a job?
- What are the working conditions for a Zoo Keeper?
- What are my transport options?
- What accommodation is available?
- What if I want to defer/withdraw?
- Are TTI courses fee subsidised?
- What do the TTI course fees include?
- Can I get a position as a Volunteer Keeper while I am a TTI Student?
1. What does Certificate II in Animal Studies give me?
This certificate gives you the opportunity to gain jobs such as a Dog Clipper/Groomer, Kennel Hand, Pet Shop Attendant, Animal Attendant.
This certificate course is an entry level certificate into training for other jobs in the industry such as:
- Certificate III in Captive Animals (Zookeeping);
- Certificate III in Animal Technology (Vet Nursing); and
- Certificate III in Companion Animals (boarding, grooming, rescue & retail).
2. What sort of jobs can I get with Certificate III in Captive Animals?
This course may provide you with employment opportunities as a:
- Zookeeper;
- Aquarium Attendant;
- Wildlife park worker;
- Theme park animal attendant;
3. Do you deliver by correspondence/to International Students?
The Taronga Training Institute does not currently deliver to International students or via correspondence.
4. How long is the course?
Certificate II in Animal Studies - 1 year (OR a 30 week duration for HSC Students)
Certificate III in Captive Animals - 2 years
5. How much work is involved?
Classroom sessions, practical and assessment.
Assessments include practical observations during class, written tests, reports and supervisor reports. The Certificate III in Captive Animals course includes some in-depth report writing and research.
6. When and how often are the classroom sessions?
Classroom sessions are held once per fortnight, from 4-8pm at the Taronga Zoo Education Centre. The night of the week is scheduled on confirmation of enrolment.
HSC Students
The course is presented over a 30 week period. Classroom sessions are conducted once per week, 12:30-3.45pm.
7. Can I get extensions on assessments?
Assessment deadlines must be adhered to during TTI courses. Any requests for extension must be expressed in writing prior to the due date and must be approved by the TTI Manager. Evidence of extenuating circumstances must be provided where a student misses a deadline without approval from the TTI Manager.
8. What are the practical requirements?
Practical days are generally a Keepers day (i.e. 6:30am - 3:30pm).
The course requirements are:
- 15 days for Certificate II in Animal Studies. (10 of these will be offered at Taronga Zoo).
- 1 day per week for Certificate III in Captive Animals.
9. When can I do my practical?
Students indicate what days of the week, including weekends; they are available to do their practical component on the enrolment form. The Taronga Training Institute will work around the needs of the student wherever possible. A fee may be charged if any changes are made to scheduled practical days throughout the course.
10. What do I do during practical?
Taronga Training Institute students will be given experience on two or more divisions during their practical.
Students will be given the opportunity during their practical to do basic keeping tasks under supervision or by assisting a trained Zoo Keeper. Basic keeping tasks include preparing food, cleaning, and maintenance tasks. Over time, Certificate III students may also be given the opportunity to be involved in more complex tasks.
Students are required to complete a practical journal and have skills competencies signed off by their Supervising Keepers.
11. What do I wear for practical?
A Taronga Training Institute t-shirt or jumper is available for students to purchase at our Lower Shop. These are not compulsory but they can aid our staff in recognising you as a student. Neutral coloured, hard-wearing, sun protective clothing and closed shoes are the accepted wear for practical.
12. Do I get to handle animals?
The handling of animals is not a common part of a Zoo Keeper's daily role. Usually duties include the preparation of food, cleaning of exhibits and housing and other maintenance activities. Students may get the opportunity to handle animals, under supervision only, through their classroom sessions, or on the rare occasion during their practical.
13. How easy is it to get a job as a Zoo Keeper?
There is an enormous amount of interest in this field of employment. However, there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances for the future.
Most people who are successfully employed as a Zoo Keeper have gained experience in the animal care industry as a Volunteer and/or as part of an animal society or study group. Experience such as; a veterinary surgery; wildlife parks; RSPCA; animal welfare organisations; dog training; wildlife rescue agencies; kennel attendants; animal breeders; and animal groomers.
Zoo Keeping staff employed in zoos, and other captive animal institutions, are required to have experience in the animal care industry, or have completed RUV20104 Certificate II in Animal Studies. They are also expected to complete RUV30204 Certificate III in Captive Animals prior to, or early in their employment. However, having completed Certificate III prior to applying for a position will increase the chances of being employed.
There are a number of institutes offering the required courses. As a student of the Taronga Training Institute, you are placed as an intern keeper at Taronga Zoo to complete the required practical component of the course.
The Australasian Society of Zookeeping is a good source of jobs available in zoos, parks and aquaria:
14. What are the working conditions for a Zoo Keeper?
Most Zoo Keepers work a 7 day roster, 365 days a year.
At Taronga Zoo, the working hours range between 6.00am and 4.00pm.
15. What are my transport options?
Ferry
- Taronga Zoo (first ferry arrives at 7:30am, last ferry leaves at 7pm)
- Mosman Bay (first departure 5:40am) then bus to Taronga
Bus
- No. 247
Car
- Students should park in the staff carpark area or the public carpark. After 6pm, lights will only be available on the ground level. Students attending evening classes should park on the ground level only.
16. What accommodation is available?
The Taronga Training Institute does not organise accommodation for students.
There are a variety of student accommodation options around Sydney. The following is a guide to accommodation prices.
Share Accommodation
Your own bedroom in a shared house or apartment $100 - $250 per week.
Full Board or Homestay
Your own bedroom, usually in a family home, breakfast and dinner, or all meals are provided $180 - $350 per week.
Studio Rental
A studio consists of a bed/sitting room, kitchenette and bathroom $140 - $300 per week.
Flat/Unit/Apartment Rental
Self contained property with one or more bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living room and laundry. Prices vary depending on location and quality. Between $250 - $400 per week for a 1 bedroom property.
17. What if I want to defer/withdraw?
Refund Policy
Students are advised to give careful consideration to their course enrolment decision as enrolled students are only eligible for a refund of course fees if the Taronga Training Institute cancels the course; or if the student advises of their cancellation at least thirty (30) working days prior to the commencement date of the course. An administration fee of $100 will apply to students who cancel their enrolment.
Withdrawal Policy
Students wanting to withdraw are required to do so in writing. Where a student has started the course and elected to withdraw, the balance of their course fees is payable within 30 days of their notice of withdrawal.
Deferral Policy
Students wanting to defer may do so for a period of six (6) months only. A position will only be held for a deferring student if the course fees have been paid on the original due dates. Where a student elects to defer, they are required to do so in writing with an indication of a date of return to the course.
18. Are TTI courses fee subsidised?
The courses offered through the Taronga Training Institute, are designed to allow students to work or study whilst doing these courses. As classroom sessions are once per fortnight, there is no fee subsidy available for these courses.
19. What do the TTI course fees include?
We have valued the courses we offer at the Taronga Training Institute based on; the access to our highly qualified staff (as Trainer & Assessors and as Supervisors during practical); the access to our zoo (for classroom sessions and practical); the organisation of your practical component for you (at Taronga Zoo); the quality of our course materials (developed by our own staff); the personalised student services we offer; and a Certificate with the Taronga Training Institute's logo and name on it at the completion of the course.
20. Can I get a position as a Volunteer Keeper while I am a TTI student?
Yes
