HERE'S a job with a difference. The Academy at Kidderminster and West Midland Safari Park have teamed up to offer students a brand new course in animal care from September.

Just for starters, staff the safari park gave pupils from local schools an insight into careers in animal care when more than 60 turned up at the Discovery Centre to find out about the new course which will be delivered jointly, with students studying one day a week at The Academy at Kidderminster and two days a week at the safari park.

Caroline Richards, head of learning at West Midland Safari Park, said: “With more than 70 animals and 19 different species in the learning department alone, as well as an experienced learning team, we already teach 15,000 pupils a year through our current programmes. This partnership will offer insights into animal science, biology, housing and behaviour as well as focusing on both theory and practical through written assessments and practical observations.”

The Academy at Kidderminster is offering animal care diploma level two with the potential for progression to level three. Call 0845 155 0101 to register an interest or apply online at www.bmetc.ac.uk.