29/07/2026
Pleased to share a former Animal management student’s success story 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
From goody bags to managing 70 species: Tom's Animal Care success story 🐾
Farm park manager and former Derby College Group Animal Care student Tom Costello has always been an animal person.
He said: “Steve Irwin, Jurassic Park, reptiles, I was into them all when I was growing up. I was that young lad with the extensive dinosaur collection, which I’ve still got!
“When I was 15, I went to a Derby College event at Chesterfield Stadium, mainly for the goody bags.
“That’s when I discovered Animal Care courses at Broomfield Hall and knew what I wanted to do next.”
Tom went on to study the Intermediate Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care and the Advanced Technical Diploma in Animal Management – Level 3 at Broomfield Hall.
Today, aged 30, he is Animal Care Manager at White Post Farm in Newark.
Looking back on his college experience, Tom said:
“I liked all of my time at Broomfield but especially loved the practical sessions. They were very hands on.
“My favourite animal was the iguana that college had at the time. Not many colleges running animal courses have reptiles.
“Doing those courses opens up so many doors to the animal industry and gives you greater insight into it.”
Tom's route into the industry required determination and hard work.
“It’s a tough industry to get into, though. After college, I worked part-time in a reptile shop but also in fast food outlets, until I was offered a job, initially yard work, at White Post.
“Our work isn’t all about cuddling animals; it can be demanding and stressful, such as when an animal you’re caring for passes away.
“We have early starts, but I wake up every morning knowing I’m in a job I love. I get to work with 70 different species alongside a great team of people.”
White Post Farm and Derby College Group continue to maintain strong links, with Tom regularly speaking to Animal Care students and encouraging the next generation to explore careers in the sector.
From reptiles and dinosaurs to leading a team caring for dozens of species, Tom’s story shows where a passion for animals and the right education can take you 🦙🐐🐰💚
