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White paper shines light on vocational routes to vet nursing
Apprenticeship programmes are now a popular option
Government committed to ending illusion that degrees are “the only route” to success.

The Department for Education (DfE) recently announced, as part of its Skills for Jobs White Paper, that it wanted to “put an end to the illusion that a degree is the only route to success and a good job and that further and technical education is the second-class option”.

As the white paper looks to align education with the needs of local employers, programmes such as employer-led apprenticeships and training are set to receive more government support. This can be good news for the many veterinary practices committed to vocational training.

Karen Lee, Head of Learning at Central College of Animal Studies (CCOAS) said: “Our apprenticeship programme for student veterinary nurses is now a popular option. Students are employed in one of our approved training practices alongside attending college.”

Shortages of registered veterinary nurses has been an issue for the veterinary industry in recent years and there may be several knock-on effects from the Covid-19 pandemic that will cause further delays in providing qualified staff in the workplace. It appears that the government has removed several of the previous hurdles and access to vocational training is now more accessible; as well as being highly valued by employers.

Karen agrees that this a positive step and encourages anyone interested in veterinary nursing to get in contact. “Veterinary nursing continues to be a highly sought-after, rewarding career choice and we are delighted to offer more than just one route to qualification.”

More information on the Skills for Jobs white paper can be found here. The Central College of Animal Studies can be contacted by calling 01359 243405 or emailing enquiries@ccoas.org.uk

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."