Dog Grooming – Yevette
Dog Grooming – Level 2
What made you want to study Dog Grooming?
‘I have always had animals; I absolutely love them to pieces. I worked in the care sector for a long time before this, and this is something I have always wanted to get into, and the opportunity was the right time, so I thought yes, ok it’s time for a change in career.’
Yevette is 56 and she has worked in the care sector for 21 years; she has just changed her patients from people to dogs!
Yevette has also attended North Notts College, whilst she was there, she studied barbering, hairdressing and nails. ‘I love to learn, so I do a bit of everything. Then I think, alright I have accomplished that, what can I go on to do now?’
How do you find the balance between theory and practical?
Because the students are currently in two days a week, one day is a theory day, and the other day is a practical day when they have dogs in the salon to work on.
‘I think with the Monday theory, because we are all very keen and we all waited quite a while to get on the course, we have quite a lot of knowledge behind us because people have come from Level 1 or people have come from working in kennels or groomers prior to this, so they have got that knowledge already. Mondays are quite easy and fast because we also all bounce off each other as well which is a bonus.
I love the practical’s, absolutely love them. It’s just finding your own routine and making sure you are doing the right things, and this comes in time.’
Yevette“The support is always there, even when we aren’t in College.”
What are your plans after completing the course?
‘I already have a salon set up and ready waiting for me! That is my ultimate dream. I have 6 dogs, I grew up with dogs, and I would like to work with bigger breeds, as some groomers are put off by them, and I’m not phased. I have been on the receiving end of being turned away by groomers, so bring them to me, I don’t mind as long as they are friendly!’
Do you think the course is preparing you for a job working in a salon?
‘Massively, it is a good insight into what to expect. Also it shows the customer face aspect of it which is really helpful, as it’s much the same as hairdressing and barbering, where people come in with a vision of what they want and sometimes that isn’t achievable, so I have to be able to break that down and explain that we will be able to get there in time, but not quite yet’.
How have the tutors and staff at College supported you?
‘Oh massively! Katie is an absolute gem, and any questions you’ve got, she answers them quite easily, and she will always answer them, as we have an app and Google Classroom where we can ask questions, and she will always come back to us as soon as she can. The support is always there, even when we aren’t in College.’
What advice would you give to someone interested in studying Dog Grooming?
‘Just be persistent and don’t give up, make connections with people. Do a bit of background research before. If you can do voluntary work, get in there and do it, as the more knowledge you have, the better it is; it gives you a bit of a head start. Be patient, and if this is what you want to do, just stick with it. I also think people don’t realise how much coursework and theory you have to learn about; there are techniques, health and safety, equipment, and chemicals, just to name some. It is not just a case of putting a dog in the bath! There is a lot that goes into dog grooming.’
Find out more about animal care courses and adult courses at Dearne Valley College.
Dearne Valley College recognises that adult education is a powerful tool for personal growth, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Across the region and UK, adults are gaining the skills to progress in their careers, build confidence, and connect with others. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom as employers’ benefit from a more adaptable workforce, communities grow stronger, and society becomes more inclusive.
With the right support, course and training, adults through adult learning can address multiple challenges at once – from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.
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