Tobias found our course to be engaging, fun and varied, with a wide range of topics that helped shape his future. “All the topics provided in my course were so varied and I found it really helped me decide which part of the sector I wanted to work in.”
Tobias speaks highly of our teaching staff, crediting them with supporting him every step of the way. “All of my lecturers were very helpful throughout the course. They were extremely helpful during exams and through all our assignments,” he says. “They made sure to make engaging lesson plans which I still use in my career today.”
What made Riseholme stand out for Tobias was the people and the practical learning. “Honestly, the people made my experience the best it could be,” he says. “I’m a very practical person, so any time we were on the animal unit or doing a lab practical would be my favourite. My favourite lessons were by far conservation and ecology or animal biology.”
As part of his course, Tobias volunteered at Lincoln Zoo. That placement led to a job, an apprenticeship and a career. “It helped me get my current job. From volunteering at this collection, my now employers put me through an apprenticeship, the Zookeeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship (ZAA),” he says. “I am now a fully qualified zookeeper and have six years’ zoo experience. I am now a carnivore keeper, as well as the volunteer and intern coordinator, meaning I now get to bring in, interview and train all of their volunteers and interns.”
He describes Riseholme College as helpful, amazing and accommodative, especially for the flexibility the course offered. “The most unique part of Riseholme is probably the varied courses they provide. When I studied there you could specialise in something. I chose the conservation, ecology and zoological collections pathway, however the behaviour and welfare and science and welfare pathways were also available to us.”
Tobias is clear about the impact Riseholme had on his journey. “100% Riseholme helped me get to where I am today. Without their guidance I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”
“The courses are great. What helped me alongside my course was definitely the college’s encouragement for us to gain industry experience. You can know as much as you want about animals but experience will help you get even further.”
