Young people gain skills, confidence and new opportunities through The King's Trust's Get Started with Animal Care Programme
Twelve young people recently completed The King's Trust's Get Started with Animal Care programme at Dartmoor Zoo, gaining first-hand insight into the animal care sector while developing confidence, practical skills and friendships that have continued beyond the programme itself.
Throughout the week, participants worked alongside zoo staff and learned about animal welfare, conservation and the day-to-day responsibilities involved in caring for animals. The programme provided a unique opportunity to explore careers within the sector while building practical skills and experience.
While the hands-on learning proved a major highlight, the personal growth shown by the group was equally impressive. Many participants joined the programme feeling apprehensive about meeting new people and stepping outside of their comfort zones. However, as the week progressed, confidence grew, friendships formed and participants encouraged one another throughout the experience.
One young person said: "I've made so many brilliant memories, made new friends, and had so many laughs along the way. It's been such a fun and unforgettable experience. I won't forget this week ever."
Another shared: "I'm not really a people person and usually keep to myself. Being around the animals felt therapeutic for me, but my favourite part was making friends on the course. Meeting people with similar interests made me feel much more welcome."
Alongside learning from experienced animal care professionals, the group developed a range of transferable skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and self-confidence. For many, the programme also provided a greater understanding of the opportunities available within animal care and conservation.
As one participant reflected: "Seeing how much effort the team put into caring for the animals and supporting conservation was really inspiring."
The impact of the programme was evident almost immediately. Following completion, participants came back together for a progression event at Devonport Jobcentre, where they had the opportunity to explore their next steps with representatives from Dartmoor Zoo, the National Marine Aquarium, Achievement Training, The King's Trust Team Programme, The King's Trust Mentoring Programme, as well as accessing one-to-one support from The King's Trust.
It was encouraging to see so many young people return for the event, particularly those who said attending something similar would previously have been outside their comfort zone. The confidence gained during the programme had motivated them to continue exploring opportunities, connect with support services and catch up with the friendships they had formed throughout the week.
The event also highlighted the positive progression already taking place. Seven participants have expressed an interest in volunteering with Dartmoor Zoo, while six are exploring pathways onto Level 2 programmes with Achievement Training. Others have engaged with mentoring support, further education opportunities and additional King's Trust programmes, demonstrating the lasting impact of the experience and the young people's enthusiasm to continue their development.
One of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing the connections formed during the programme continue beyond the final day. Participants have remained in touch, supporting and encouraging one another as they take their next steps.
All twelve young people successfully completed the programme, leaving with increased confidence, strengthened employability skills and a greater awareness of careers within the animal care and conservation sectors. What began as a week of hands-on experience at Dartmoor Zoo has already led to volunteering opportunities, progression into training and education, new friendships and a renewed sense of motivation for the future.
