A leading animal grooming school is now offering a range of courses to those leaving the armed forces.
The Four Paws Groom School’s courses in cat grooming, dog walking and pet sitting have recently been approved by the Ministry of Defence, so service personnel leaving the Army, Navy or RAF can now choose from five different qualifications when considering their next steps. Qualifications in dog grooming and canine first aid were already available via the school.
Fern Gresty and Sarah Mackay, owners of Four Paws and awarding organisation iPET Network, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer an even bigger range of qualifications to those looking for a new career after serving in the armed forces.
“Those leaving the armed forces can be provided with up to £2,000 towards the cost of training for a new career.
“We understand that the prospect of starting a new job can be very daunting so the qualifications we offer provide all the training and skills required to have work with animals, which we both know is incredibly rewarding.
“Those who have experience of the armed forces have a whole host of transferable skills and are a real asset to the animal sector. We’re looking forward to enrolling more of those capable and talented people on our courses in the coming months.”
Former Army dog handler Jessy Brown is choosing to retrain as a dog groomer after being medically discharged.
The 22 year-old from Northern Ireland is studying for the iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management at the Bone Idol Academy in Hove.
She said: “I’ve always worked with animals – before I was in the army I used to work at animal shelters. I’ve always been around dogs, and love going into work and being with dogs all day.
“That’s why I’ve chosen grooming as my next career option, it’s a natural transition, and I won’t miss the canine company I’ve come to enjoy so much.”
