Answer extracted from The Responsible Finance Podcast — listen to the full episode below.
How can a kennels business create youth training and volunteer opportunities?
A licensed kennels can host multiple tiers of youth engagement: veterinary nurse trainees attending weekly placements, school work experience placements for younger students, university students volunteering during holidays, and structured apprenticeships leading to full kennel personnel roles. Each pathway requires minimal setup and builds a pipeline of trained staff while delivering real educational value.
Real apprenticeship pathways at Beacon Barkers
Beacon Barkers has already launched several active programmes. A first-year veterinary nurse student attends two days per week as part of her training placement, gaining hands-on experience in a working kennels environment. This mirrors the standard format for veterinary education partnerships — the student earns credit toward her qualification while Beacon Barkers gains skilled support.
In June, the business hosted three year-10 school pupils for a week-long work experience placement. These younger students trained as kennel hands, learning practical animal care, health and safety protocols, and business operations from entry level. As Kaz Burness explains in the podcast episode, these placements introduce teenagers to the sector and sometimes spark longer-term interest in pet care careers.
University partnerships and apprenticeship expansion
Beacon Barkers is also hosting a veterinary student from Liverpool University during university holidays, creating a seasonal volunteer arrangement that fits academic calendars. This type of partnership is mutually beneficial: the university gets feedback on practicum quality, and the business gains capable temporary staff during peak holiday seasons.
Looking ahead, the business plans to formally launch apprenticeships next year, with a clear pathway: training individuals from their first day through to becoming qualified head kennel personnel. This structured progression offers stability to school leavers or career-changers seeking a defined skill development route, while ensuring Beacon Barkers builds its own leadership bench. The apprenticeship model also often qualifies businesses for government incentives in the UK, reducing net training costs.
Kaz Burness — Owner of Beacon Barkers Pet Centre. After 23 years in various roles at TK Maxx (security, customer service, stock room), Burness launched a home-based pet sitting and dog boarding service in February 2019, which grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic serving key workers. She transitioned to full-time in January 2022 and acquired Beacon Barkers kennels in October 2022 using a £100,000 loan from BCRS Business Loans, alongside her husband Darren.
Beyond formal staff recruitment, these programmes address a sector-wide skills gap. Pet care and animal husbandry roles often struggle to attract qualified candidates — by building a visible training culture, kennels businesses become employers of choice and help develop the next generation of professionals. Hear more detail on how Beacon Barkers integrates youth development into its growth strategy throughout the full conversation.
Key takeaways
- Veterinary nurse students can attend kennels placements two days per week as part of formal training qualifications.
- Secondary school work experience weeks (year-10 age group) introduce teenagers to kennel hand roles and animal care fundamentals.
- University students volunteer during holiday periods, providing flexible seasonal support while building industry networks.
- Apprenticeships offer a structured multi-year pathway from entry to head kennel personnel, creating long-term staff retention and development.
See also
How can alternative finance companies support business growth beyond providing capital?
BCRS not only provided the £100,000 loan but also demonstrated genuine belief in the business vision, going beyond standard lending practices to understand and support long-term growth plans.
What factors influenced the choice of a finance provider for a business acquisition?
Kaz initially approached several finance companies but felt let down by their attitude toward lending, their plans, and unhelpful paperwork. Finding the right fit with a provider who genuinely understood her vision was crucial.
How did a home-based pet care business transition to acquiring a commercial kennels facility?
Kaz started with doggy daycare and home boarding from her house in February 2019, then added dog walking in 2021. She worked at TK Maxx while building the business, eventually leaving in January 2022 to run it full-time before acquiring the kennels in October 2022.