Partnership delivers wildlife careers

After ten years in hospitality, Syan Arane took a leap of faith to pursue her passion for animals - and has landed her dream job.

The Certificate III in Animal Care Services (ACM30122) / Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care (ACM30321) student has secured a role as a Wildlife Attendant at Dreamworld.

“I was very excited, it just still feels unreal,” said Syan.

Her success highlights the long-running partnership between TAFE Queensland and Dreamworld, which gives students direct industry experience while they study.

Since launching in 2020, the partnership has combined classroom learning with hands-on training, where students work alongside Dreamworld’s experienced keepers to care for some of Australia’s most iconic animals.

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," she said.

"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." 

Six students from the 2025/2026 cohort have secured jobs in the industry before graduating, highlighting the dual qualification’s success as a pathway into careers in wildlife care, veterinary nursing and zookeeping.

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.

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

“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,” said Mr Petherbridge.  

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.