Animal technology includes the promotion and maintenance of animals to be used in scientific research together with the husbandry, care, welfare of animals bred and used in this work.  Animal technologists may also be more closely involved with the scientific work and hold Home Office licences allowing them to perform authorised procedures on animals.

Specific future trends affecting future skills include:

• animal technology is evolving as scientific developments involve the use of more specialised animals, especially transgenics, fish and more obscure species
• technicians are becoming more specialised and now need generally higher skills and knowledge levels
• the need for animal technologists to undertake formal training as well as practical experience is considered important
• increasing need for generic skills
• the changes in the interpretation and implementation both UK and European legislation
• experienced animal technologists undertaking some of the more routine scientific procedures previously undertaken by researchers

Future skills needs are focused on evolving scientific developments which will involve the use of more specialised animals.  Recruitment is a particular problem in the ‘care’ professions.  Employers report skills shortages and the need to develop skills for all staff.

Industry drivers affecting future work and employment include:

• changing government policy and heavy regulations controlling the industry
• consumer demands to reduce the use of animals in experimentation
• technological advancements and the development of alternative methods
• growing number of organizations establishing businesses overseas       

Source: Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Key Drivers of Skill Demand 2005