Dreamworld and TAFE Queensland celebrate next generation of wildlife carers with 21 students graduating

Dreamworld and TAFE Queensland are celebrating a major milestone in their long-running partnership, with all 21 students in the latest cohort set to graduate from the dual Certificate III in Animal Care Services / Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30122) on 15 June. Six students have already secured employment, highlighting the program’s success as a pathway into careers in wildlife care, veterinary nursing and zookeeping.

Since launching in 2020, the partnership has combined classroom learning with hands-on experience in Dreamworld’s wildlife precinct, where students work alongside experienced keepers and gain real-world skills with some of Australia’s most iconic animals.

Students begin their studies at TAFE Queensland, learning essential animal care skills, before bringing them to life through practical experience at Dreamworld. Here, they gain exposure to daily operations including animal care, enrichment, enclosure maintenance and conservation-focused education.

The program has grown steadily in popularity, with strong demand and merit-based enrolment.

Students also play an active role in supporting wildlife operations and contributing to animal-focused experiences and education programs. The partnership’s success is reflected in long-term career outcomes, with Dreamworld employing multiple graduates and continuing to support students as they transition into the workforce.

Quotes

Dreamworld spokesperson quote- Dreamworld’s Operations Manager of Life Sciences, Alana Legge,

said the program continues to evolve as a powerful career pathway for students.

"This partnership has been such a rewarding journey and continues to deliver positive outcomes on

so many levels. Students not only make connections with Dreamworld's incredible wildlife but also

with our passionate animal care team and other industry professionals along the way."

"Students develop the skills to provide quality animal care and positive welfare opportunities, along

with raising awareness and fundraising support to achieve real conservations outcomes through our

Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation."

TAFE Queensland Spokesperson quote –

TAFE Queensland’s General Manager of the Gold Coast region, Robert Petherbridge said the course

helps students achieve their career aspirations, while also providing employers with a strong pipeline of skilled workers.

“At TAFE Queensland, we’re committed to delivering training that connects students directly with

industry. Through our partnership with Dreamworld, students gain invaluable, hands-on experience

working alongside experienced wildlife professionals, helping them build the skills, knowledge and

industry connections needed for long-term careers in animal care,” said Mr Petherbridge.

“This dual qualification equips students with the practical skills and hands-on experience needed to

work in animal facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks, mobile zoos and aquariums. Graduates are also

well positioned to progress into veterinary nursing and other areas of veterinary care, opening up a

wide range of career pathways in the animal care sector.”

TAFE Queensland student, Syan Arane, is one of the two 2026 graduates who’ve secured a job with Dreamworld.

“Before enrolling in the course, I was working as a hotel manager - an industry I’d been in for eight

years - but working with animals has always been a dream. The course with TAFE Queensland just

confirmed this was the right path for me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have had

this experience. Securing a role as a Wildlife Attendant at Dreamworld still feels surreal - I’m absolutely pinching myself,” said Syan.

The partnership continues to play an important role in the future of the wildlife industry, helping to

develop skilled, passionate animal carers while contributing to positive animal welfare outcomes.