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TAFE Queensland and Dreamworld have partnered to deliver an educational wildlife conservation course through the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation. A group of 22 students have been selected to study the Certificate III in Animal Studies at TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus as well as on-site at Dreamworld starting in February.

Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman notes “this partnership between Dreamworld and TAFE Queensland offers a unique learning experience for students.

“Training is no longer confined to the classroom as students spend one day per week gaining hands on learning here at Dreamworld.

“The students will work with native wildlife alongside Dreamworld’s industry professionals to gain practical skills such as handling reptiles, koala husbandry and quarantine procedures, wildlife rescue and prepping of animals’ meals.

“TAFE have a reputation for working closely with industry to provide world class training for all Queenslanders and this new partnership will assist our future animal carers towards their bright careers.”

Dreamworld General Manager Life Sciences, Al Mucci said this would be a truly unique learning experience for aspiring wildlife carers advising “the students that take part in this course will learn much more about being a wildlife carer, with a real hands-on experience.

“This opportunity will give the students insight into why this work is so important for the survival of our native wildlife, learning about the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation’s conservation initiatives and how they are benefiting our communities.”

“The program will also include Indigenous cultural learnings with totemic relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Australia’s unique fauna on the agenda.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager on the Gold Coast, Karen Dickinson said TAFE Queensland is proud to partner with Dreamworld to deliver unique job-focused industry training.

“We pride ourselves on providing learning environments where students get the best of both worlds — the hands-on training combined with industry relevant skills that will make graduates highly sought after by employers.

“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to working with local Gold Coast industries to provide skilled workforces essential to the growth and development of our city.”

Donna Treby said she is thrilled to be one of the students selected and hopes the course will help her get back into the workforce.

Treby advises “after being out of the Australian workforce for six years due to living abroad, I thought the Animal Studies course with TAFE Queensland would be the perfect opportunity to update my skills and return to work as a Wildlife Veterinary Nurse.

“I have previous experience as a Zookeeper and a Veterinary Nurse and I hope the hands-on learning delivered by TAFE Queensland will refresh my practical skills and provide me with the qualification needed to re-gain employment in the industry.”

Meanwhile, Julie Knight is currently a medic at Dreamworld who applied for the course to help her achieve her dream of moving her focus to animal health.

Knight adds “when I am not helping humans at the park you can always find me down visiting the animals and I am looking forward to gaining the skills to be able to help sick and injured animals.”

Upon successful completion of the course students can work as an animal attendant or carer or continue their studies with TAFE Queensland's Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (ACM40418) program.

For more information about TAFE Queensland’s animal studies programs visit tafeqld.edu.au

Image courtesy of Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation

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