Every dog has its day!

Through the YES project, BEBP offers direct support to our CLA and Care Leavers around developing their employability skills and helping to provide placements to support their progress to work.

E is a CLA who was referred to BEBP in November 2018 for work experience to support her college course in Animal Management.  We managed to secure her a two week placement during Easter 2019 at The Willow Bird of Prey Centre at Coolings Garden Centre.  This was a great success and confirmed to E that she wanted to pursue a career with animals so we were able to help her investigate apprenticeship opportunities in that sector.  In September 2019, she started a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Animal Management & Behaviour at Happy Tails Doggy Day Care in Sevenoaks.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, E was furloughed in March and, of course, was concerned the apprenticeship wouldn’t continue.  The good news is she returned to her placement in May with a pay rise!  Her responsibilities now include opening up/locking up, booking in dogs and training.  She is also taking driving lessons so in the future she can pick up/drop off dogs.  E is hoping to move onto Level 3 later this year or early next year and we wish her every success for the future!