Jesse Bradley

After a decade working jobs he didn't really enjoy, Jesse Bradley was ready for a career he really cared about. He decided working with animals was the way forward, and started the Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting (Level 4) at Otago Polytechnic.

Jesse took the time to answer a few questions about his study experience.

Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Jesse. I'm 28 and I grew up in a tiny tourist town in the top of the South Island called Tākaka. 

What do you like about Polytechnic study?

I find that studying the theory side of things and being able to apply it practically on work placements helps the learning stick in my mind.

Is there a particular project or skill that you were excited about learning?

After learning bandaging skills, I was able to try it out on a kererū during my vet clinic placement and I was very happy with the result.

What is the most unusual or interesting animal you have worked with?

The most interesting things I've done on placement is feeding frogs live meal worms and crop feeding baby pigeons. My favourite animals to work with are birds because they have so much personality.

Would you recommend the Certificate in Animal Healthcare Assisting?

I would recommend this programme to anyone trying to get into the animal care industry, from dog groomers to future vets. The combination of theory and practical work cements skills by learning and then actually doing.