Apprentices and volunteers at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

A NORTH Somerset company is offering trainees the chance to get up close and personal with lions, tigers and many other wonderful creatures as part of a successful apprenticeship scheme.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall has recently taken on its sixth apprentice to add to the young people it is already helping to find a vocation or forge a career in the industry.

The attraction offers a grounds apprenticeship as well as building and animal keeping apprenticeships.

It works in conjunction with Wiltshire-based Haddon Training and Lackham College and each apprentice is visited by external tutors to monitor progress and ensure training goals are met.

As well as offering apprenticeships, Noah’s Ark also welcomes 120 volunteers and work experience students each year.