If you are new to study, or if it’s been a while since you were at school or undertook any kind of training, beginning a course at AACI might be a little daunting.

But don’t worry!

Here is a checklist that covers some of the important things you need to consider – or know – before you start your training with AACI

If you find there are things on the checklist you would like more information about, or if you need to talk to someone about any of these things, give us a call to speak to a Course Consultant. They will be happy to talk through what you need to do to get prepared, and can provide advice on the types of support services that are available through AACI to help you get your qualification.

Things to consider

• How I will get to and from campus?

All AACI courses are delivered through our online, there is no need to attend classes.

• How much parking or transport will cost to get to and from campus?

Save money on parking and transport by completing our course through our online learning platform.

• Do I need to arrange childcare for the days I am expected to be in class?

Study at home at your own time and convenience with our flexible delivery platform.

• Do I need to inform Centrelink I am studying and have you provided them with a proof of enrolment form?

Only if you are a recipient of Centrelink benefits.

• Do I have to advise Centrelink if I withdraw from a course, or if my hours of study change?

Only if you are a recipient of Centrelink benefits.

• How will you contact Student Support services?

Visit our Student Support section of the website or contact AACI directly by either email or phone

Enrolment

• Do I have my Unique Student Identifier number?
• Do I know what I need to do to enrol?
• Do I know the date and time I start my course?
• Do I know the date I am due to finish my course?
• Do I know the amount of study required to complete my course?
• Do I need to inform AACI of any learning challenges or disability/medical conditions that may hinder my learning?
• Have I read and understood the AACI Pre-enrolment Information Pack?
• Have I read and understood my rights and responsibilities as a AACI student?
• Do I know where student support resources are available from AACI?
• Fees and payments
• Do I know how much my course fees are and my options of how to pay?
• Do I understand AACI’s refund if I withdraw from the course?
• Have I set up an achievable payment plan?
• Do I understand my course fees need to be paid before I can get my qualification?

Explore AACI

Our website contains a range of handy resources to assist you start your education journey at AACI.

It provides a snapshot of important information about your responsibilities as a student, as well as the types of services and support that are available to help you achieve your goals, as well as things like assessment and results and financial assistance.

Helpful links

The following sites are also useful for helping you to get ready to study, what’s going on in the job market right now, or planning your future career:

• Animal Care and Management industry-based literacy and numeracy quizzes will give you an idea of the level of literacy and numeracy you’d need to undertake an Australian Apprenticeship qualification.
• Visit https://www.aapathways.com.au/literacy-and-numeracy-quizzes
• Your guide to Australian careers in the Animal Care and Management sector
• Visit Your Career https://www.yourcareer.gov.au/ can help you make decisions about study and training, your first job, or the next step in your career, offering career profiles, and information about the future outlook, pay, main tasks, and physical and other demands of careers that might interest you.

Top reasons why studying at AACI is a great choice!

Flexible delivery – Students have private and secure access to our comprehensive range of Learner Resources via our Online Learning Center. Our distance delivery mode provides flexibility, greater access and convenience to students. So regardless of your physical location, work or life commitments just because you cannot attend a classroom AACI has the solution.

AACI Online Learning Center uses Google Classroom as its Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver secure and flexible access to our comprehensive range of Learner Resources, Learner Tools, Industry and Career news and student support resources.

Accredited and Nationally recognised qualifications – AACI is focused purely on the Animal Care education and training.

In addition, to our Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing qualifications AACI also delivers a range of Animal Care industry specific Continuing Professional Education (CPE) that are recognised by Professional Animal Care Associations.  However, these CPE programs are not accredited under the AQF as a qualification or unit of competency.

These short courses range from general areas to more specific topics. The level of knowledge and skills required to complete also vary. However, these short courses are specifically designed for the Animal Care industry.

Real-life learning – our Animal Care courses focus on giving you hands-on, practical training so that you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to be job-ready. You’ll have the opportunity to gain real-life experience in a range of real work environments, industry work placements.

Start your own business.   – AACI also provides you with training and support to develop and grow your own Animal Care business so that you can be your own boss!

Learn from the best – our Animal Care Trainers are industry professionals and are keen to share their experience, skills and passion with the next generation of skilled workers. Many of our Trainers come directly from industry and continue to work  at AACI – so they have plenty of up-to-date knowledge and skills, and practical ‘tricks of the trade’ to share with you and help you succeed both in your course and in your future career.

Links with Animal Care industry – AACI works hard to develop and maintain partnerships with local Animal Care business operators and industry bodies to ensure your training is relevant, current and up-to-date. This means that you will be job-ready when you finish your Animal Care course, and have the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.

Specialist Learning Resources – Our Learner resources are custom made specialists resources that offer a wide range of industry-standard practices and knowledge.

Recognition for prior learning and skills – AACI provides formal recognition of prior learning.  This allows you fast track the completion of course by having your previous skills and knowledge recognised, or be awarded advanced standing or credit transfer for further study for higher level vocational qualifications.

Affordable and Flexible Payment Options– AACI has a range of payment options available for students to pay course fees. AACI offers a range of Payment Plans options that are available on a monthly or weekly payment period basis.  These plans are currently only available to Australian residents and all course fees must be paid prior to any certificate being issued.  AACI shall never turn down a candidate that is suffering from financial hardship that sincerely and genuinely wants to immediately start and undertake our course

Diverse and inclusive AACI recognises and respects individual differences and value the unique experiences, knowledge and skills that all students bring, and our priority is to create a positive learning environment for all our students which promotes equality and inclusive practices, is free from bullying, discrimination and harassment, and is supportive of the specific needs of all individuals.

Supportive Environment – AACI knows everyone’s journey is different and sometimes you might need some extra support to achieve your study or career goals. Whether you are at the very start of your training, returning to study after a long break, or looking to upskill in a specific area, we’re here to help you to be successful in your chosen Animal Care course. Our Student Support services are available for all students, and include everything from counselling to financial assistance, career planning and providing advice on study support options to help you through your qualification.