Animal attendant
Mildura Veterinary Hospital

Advocating for animals and supporting the Sunraysia community is at the core of Mildura Veterinary Hospital (MVH) values. MVH is a well-equipped, modern Veterinary Hospital. Our medical and surgical faculties include Preventative and Healthcare Services: Health checks and Vaccinations Parasite control Microchipping Dentistry Radiography Ultrasonography Specialist referrals Clinical pathology, inclusive of an in-house bloods machine, giving same day diagnostics/results.

The Structured Workplace Learning opportunity (SWL Opportunity) with MVH as an Animal Care Assistant will be offered as a five-day placement block. The placement will allow the student to come away with a good understanding of the role of a Veterinary Surgeon and Veterinary Nurse.

Work placement Location: MVH, 370 Deakin Avene, Mildura.

The SWL Opportunity is ideally suited to a VCE-VM, VPC or VCE student studying VET Animal Care or Equine Studies as part of their study program that is interested in a career pathway as a Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinary Nurse.

This is a great opportunity for a student looking to experience work placement as an Animal Care Assistant and to gain knowledge of the Animal Care Industry.

If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please share this opportunity with your Careers Transition Pathway Officer, Careers, VET or VCE-VM Coordinator.

Skills You Might Learn

The student may have the opportunity to attain a broad range of skills while on work placement. These may include valuable employability skills such as;
• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Punctuality.
• Presentation.
• Hygiene.
• Problem solving.
• Planning.
• Initiative.
• Follow instructions.
• Work under supervision.
• Industry specific OH&S.

The student may also attain vital industry specific skills which will relate to their secondary school studies they include:
• Hands-on practical experience.
• Observing and learning from industry qualified and experienced professionals.
• Working in real-life scenarios.
• Working with equipment necessary to the occupation.
• Liaising and working with supervisors, colleagues, industry personnel, customers/clients and suppliers.

Typical Tasks & Duties

As an Animal Care Assistant, the student will observe and assist whilst spending time under the direct supervision of experienced and qualified Veterinary professionals.

The student may assist with the following tasks and duties.
• Work in the animal care industry.
• Complete animal care hygiene routines.
• Feed and water animals.
• Assist in health care of animals.
• Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices.
• Participate in workplace health and safety processes.
• Apply communication skills.

Student Requirements

Students with a positive attitude towards the Animal Care Industry as an Animal Care Assistant who are self-motivated, willing to listen and follow instruction are encouraged to consider a future SWL placement to develop skills learned from their VET subject relating to Animal Care or Equine Studies.

Whilst the student is attending the work placement they are expected to:
• Students must be interested in the Animal Care Industry as an Animal Care Assistant and possess good communication skills.
• Students must be willing to spend periods of time observing and to undertake necessary tasks as requested.
• Dress appropriately.
• Maintain interest and participate in tasks and work duties.
• Be well mannered and behave in a respectful and responsible manner.
• Be punctual.
• Follow management instructions.
• Act in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.
• Work within the team.
• Listen and take advice from fellow workers.
• Respect other people’s belongings.
• Keep a note pad and pen handy to take notes for their own reference.
• Demonstrate the skills they have developed through their course.
• Take their Logbook to the work placement every day.

Prior to applying for a SWL Placement the student is to.
• Review the Mildura Veterinary Hospital website to understand services offered by the organisation at https://milduravet.com.au/
• Complete a two-day placement trial prior to the SWL arrangement commencement as organised with the Host Employer at the interview to ensure the student understands the work placement environment to ensure continued interest for the placement.

It is a requirement for the student to provide the following evidence prior to a placement commencing.
• Complete prior to placement request: Proposed Work Experience with Animals – Summary of Students Experience Form.

Dress Requirements

The student will be required to present in a neat and hygienic manner in the following work attire;
• Neat casual attire with full length work pants.
• Enclosed footwear, flat and non-slip.
• Long hair must be tied back, nails must be kept short and clean.
• No clothing is to have language that may offend others.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate to the tasks and duties carried out by the student, will be supplied by the Host Employer.

Special Transport Requirements

Public Transport is limited, students to check bus transport availability and or speak to parents/carer to organise transport prior to contacting employer.

CDC Victoria - Mildura: Ph: 5023 0274, Website: https://cdcvictoria.com.au/travel-information/timetables-and-maps/mildura/.

RELATED COURSES INCLUDE

• 22513VIC - Certificate III in Equine Studies
• ACM20117 - Certificate II in Animal Studies
• ACM30117 - Certificate III in Animal Studies