The highly interactive sessions have been developed by the charity to support BTEC and City & Guilds animal management specifications and Scottish Qualifications Authority courses.

They are aimed at students studying for animal welfare qualifications or considering a career in animal care.

The talks can be tailored for the learning level of the group and lectures are delivered to those on Level 1-4 courses as well as complimenting AS and A-levels.

“For us it was always about promoting great cat welfare and developing an interest in Cats Protection as early as possible,” said Cats Protection’s head of education, Shelley Brown. “The time was right to expand our repertoire of talks and reach new audiences so students studying for relevant animal welfare qualifications seemed like a perfect fit.”

With five topics to choose from, students can expand their knowledge of cat welfare as well as learn how to boost their employability in a competitive industry.

The topics include:

• Careers with Cats Protection
• Health and disease
• Feline behaviour
• Human/animal interactions and training
• Welfare and ethics

Depending on location and availability, the talks can be carried out either virtually or face to face.

Using personal or shared devices such as laptops, tablets or smartphones, learners can get involved by taking part in polls, quizzes, games and collaborative activities.

If personal devices aren’t available, individuals can participate together via the class board, enabling interaction with activities and discussion with the speaker.

Louise Patrick is a Programme Leader in Animal Management from Reaseheath College in Cheshire.

She wanted her students to gain a better understanding of the industry and the kind of jobs available, so she booked the ‘Careers with Cats Protection’ session.

“There are lots of careers within animal management but students aren’t always aware of the different kinds of roles available with the qualifications they need,” Louise said. “The talk from Cats Protection opens them up to new careers they may not have previously considered, or even known about. It also makes a nice change for students to meet someone who works within the industry.”

“Learners have really enjoyed participating in the full series of talks,” said Kelly Matthews, a community education officer at the charity. “We’ve received amazing feedback saying that what they have learned with us will help with their qualification and future career plans.”

A certificate is available on completion of the series and tutors can request a session report which details learners’ progression.

Those interested in booking a talk, or discussing options with one of the charity’s community education officers, can complete the online booking form.