Last updated at 12:37, Monday, 03 November 2008

MOST teenagers do their work experience in a local shop, factory or office.

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But wannabe zoo keeper Natasha Wilton, from Barrow, got a taste of her dream job with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antwerp Zoo in Belgium.

Natasha was shown how to deal with customers and, more importantly, how to look after various animals.

A huge amount of responsibility was involved as she helped welcome new animals into the zoo and give them vital injections.

“The best bit was showering the elephants,” said Natasha. “I’d love to work with elephants if possible.

“I definitely want to work in a zoo, my dream location would be San Diego Zoo.”

Lancaster and Morecambe College student Natasha, along with three other students from her animal management course, earned funding for the trip from the Leonardo Da Vinci programme.

The programme is part of the European Commission’s lifelong learning scheme and aims to build a skilled workforce across the continent. With many students on her course planning to go into the competitive veterinary trade, Natasha reckons her time at the zoo will prove useful.

“This experience will really help my CV stand out,” she said.

Natasha had already done some work experience at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Dalton as part of her college course and she has ambitious career plans.

Travelling from Barrow to Lancaster and Morecambe College three days a week, Natasha is now working towards completing her second year of the course and getting closer to achieving her dream.

First published at 11:42, Monday, 03 November 2008
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk