All Courses are available at our Liverpool and Formby Training Centres
“I would highly recommend this college to anyone interested in becoming a dog groomer. It’s a great place to learn, gain real experience, and develop the confidence needed to start a career in dog grooming.”
MCDT currently operate from two Training centres, One which is based in Fazakerley, Liverpool and Merseyside Career Development Small Animal College, which is based in Freshfield in Formby-Our Liverpool College is sited close to Fazakerley Station(14 min walk) and is easily reached using the many Buses (Bus 20 or 21 then 5 min walk)on the Liverpool-Walton-Kirby Route.
There is parking outside and close by and disability access for the Library Complex-our Training Centre doors are on the right once you are inside and all Students are supplied with a Prospectus and Training Materials
Study Programmes
The study programme framework delivered by Merseyside Career Development consists of your chosen course taken at one of our Training centres-say an Animal care Training Course, Veterinary Nurse assistant Training Course or Dog Grooming Training Course- which is the main aim, and Functional Skills in Maths and English/ICT (if necessary), alongside work placement & enrichment/employability.
Functional Skills in Maths and English and ICT are some of the most valued skills with employers, If you haven’t achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE in any of these areas, our college can provide you training related to that functional skill/GCSE, and MCDT will help you to achieve these qualifications.
However, if you have achieved a grade 4 or above, we will provide you with functional skills development training to help strengthen your knowledge on the subjects as well as up-skill you in those subjects.
Animal Management Courses
The study programme is available Free for 16-18 year olds and the course will run 3 days a week with 1 day placement and 2 days in the college. There are also opportunities for 14-15 year olds to access college programmes. Please ring the centre for further details. 0151 521 8426
The Study Programme consists of the following Courses/Activities
•Veterinary Assistant Nurse Course Level 2
•Small Animal Care Course Entry 3, Level 1/2
•Animal Management Course Level 3
•Dog Grooming Training Course Level 2/3
•Functional Skills in Maths and English/ICT Level 1/2
•Work Placement
Dog Grooming School
Our Training Courses-Free for 16 to 18 year olds
The ACADEMIC YEAR - ALL COURSES START SEPTEMBER 1ST AND END IN JULY
(GENERAL PASS RATE FOR ALL MCDT COURSES IS AROUND 94%)
(16 TO 18YR OLDS OR 16 TO 24 WITH AN EHCP-EDUCATION HEALTH AND CARE COURSE)
(PAID ADULT COURSES ARE RUN ALL YEAR ROUND-CALL FOR INFO)
DURATION 38 WEEKS-2 DAYS PER WEEK-NO EVENING OR WEEKEND CLASSES REQUIRED
The Traineeship will be flexible, with the placement being your main aim for at least 2 days a week while on the programme, the rest of the programme will consist of training for a technical certificate and functional skills.
FLEXIBLE LEARNING/STUDY OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WITH AN EHCP (EDUCATION HEALTH AND CARE PLAN)
Progression will hopefully lead to an apprenticeship (say-Animal Care Apprenticeship) or employment. The traineeship is available for 16-18 year olds.
Traineeship courses include:
•Dog Grooming Training Courses
•Veterinary Assistant Nurse Courses Level 2
WHY TRAIN WITH MCDT?
Accredited Courses Recognised qualifications that employers trust.
Hands‑On Training Work with real animals from day one.
Small Class Sizes Personal support and real skill development.
Liverpool & Formby Centres Local, accessible, and professionally equipped.
We are City and Guilds Accredited- IPET Accredited-and we also have MATRIX ACCREDITATION-IAG
(OFQUAL Regulated Qualifications)
Our Dog Grooming Courses have only 2 Students per Table
Our Students get Daily hands on experience
Our Trainer to Student ratio is 2 to 4 on other courses (with Fully Qualified Trainers and an Assistant)
EXTRA FACILITIES INCLUDE ADJACENT MAIN LIBRARY ACCESS
Nurse Vet Courses
Adult education centre-Adult Programmes
Government funding is available for some adult courses (call to check availability)
MCDT adult courses are all linked to employment and all are industry related. All qualifications are industry standard and will support you in the interview process.
All ADULT DOG GROOMING COURSES are flexible dates for start and finish
Its a 16 week Course and there are only 2 days a week attendance required at the College
COURSE FEES?-RING FOR CURRENT FURTHER DETAILS-FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE
The classes will develop your skills in the areas that are required for employment within your chosen pathway, and your certificate will support you when applying for employment or a promotion.
Please ring the centre for further details / costs. 0151 521 8426
The Adult Employability courses are open to adults aged 19+
There is a choice of 8 courses:
•Assessor in Vocational Achievement Level 3
•IQA Level 4 Certificate
•Level 3 award in Education and Training
•Learn to Groom your dog (1 day course unaccredited)
•Level 2 Assistant Dog Groomers(Dog Groomers assistant)
•Diploma in Dog Grooming Level 3
•Animal Care Entry 3 Level 1 / 2
•Veterinary Assistant Nurse Level 2
For more information on our veterinary nurse Courses, animal care Courses and dog grooming training Courses
call : 0151 521 8426
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Liverpool training centre at Fazakerley Disc is just a 14-minute walk from Fazakerley Station on the Merseyrail network. Alternatively, Bus routes 20 or 21 on the Liverpool-Walton-Kirkby corridor stop nearby, with the centre located just 5 minutes' walk from the bus stop. The centre features full disability access through the Library Complex entrance, with parking close by for students who drive.
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MCDT courses carry multiple prestigious accreditations including City & Guilds certification, IPET accreditation, and Matrix Accreditation for Information, Advice and Guidance. All qualifications are OFQUAL regulated, ensuring they meet national educational standards and are recognised by employers throughout the UK animal care industry. These accreditations demonstrate MCDT's commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-standard training.
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MCDT maintains an impressive general pass rate of approximately 94% across all courses. This high success rate reflects the quality of instruction, small class sizes, and comprehensive student support provided throughout each programme. Graduates leave with industry-recognised qualifications and practical experience that employers value highly.
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MCDT maintains exceptionally small class sizes to ensure quality training outcomes. Dog grooming courses feature just 2 students per grooming table, providing intensive one-to-one instruction and feedback. Other animal care courses maintain trainer-to-student ratios of 2 fully qualified trainers to 4 students, ensuring every learner receives personalised attention and support throughout their programme.
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Yes, MCDT provides flexible adult dog grooming courses with variable start dates throughout the year. The adult programme runs for 16 weeks with just 2 days per week attendance required. Government funding may be available for eligible adults, and flexible payment options exist for self-funded students. Contact the centre on 0151 521 8426 for current fees and availability.
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MCDT offers a comprehensive range of accredited courses including Dog Grooming Training Level 2/3, Small Animal Care Entry 3 through Level 2, Veterinary Assistant Nurse Level 2, and Animal Management Level 3. All courses are City & Guilds accredited and OFQUAL regulated, with integrated Functional Skills training in Maths, English, and ICT where required. The courses combine theoretical learning with hands-on practical experience working with real animals.