New resource to inspire next generation of vets and nurses
"It is so important to demonstrate to young people that they cna play an important role in delivering animal welfare, whatever their eductaional, financial or cultural background" - Dr Malcolm Morley, BVA president.
The BVA has announced a new resource for secondary school-aged students to encourage young people to join the veterinary professions.
The 'Vet Team in a Box' project provides a complete secondary school lesson designed in accordance with the key stage three National Curriculum. During the lesson, pupils participate in 'real-life' veterinary scenarios, interpreting scientific evidence and carrying out diagnostic tests akin to those used to diagnose real animals.
With the aim of demystifying the veterinary professions, the project also aims to break some of the perceived barriers to joining the industry for both students and their mentors. Science, communication, critical thinking, mathematics, analytics, problem solving and teamwork are all covered in the lesson, together with a fictional scenario to help a farmer protect her herd of cows.
All schools will be able to book the lesson, suitable for years seven, eight and nine, via project collaborators at Loughborough University and it will be delivered to them free of charge. Additional support and priority will be given to schools with a large number of pupils from diverse backgrounds.
BVA president Malcolm Morley said: “It is so important to demonstrate to young people that they can play an important role in delivering animal welfare, whatever their educational, financial or cultural background. This resource is sure to spark an interest in many young minds and help the vets and vet nurses of the future to take their first steps on this rewarding career path.’’
Dr Hannah Hodgkiss-Geere, Vet Team in a Box project lead and creator and director of student recruitment in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool, said: “I am so excited to be able to bring Vet Team in a Box to fruition. This box provides an opportunity to engage with young people and their teachers to inspire them to join the profession, in particular from under-represented groups.”
The resource has also been created with members of the Widening Participation Vet Schools Network, the BVNA, Vet Nurse Futures and HE Unboxed. It will be unveiled at London Vet Show (17-18 November) and then available to schools from late November.
Dr Morely added: “We would encourage any vets or vet nurses who are in a position to advise young people about their career or who have links with schools to tell their teachers and guidance counsellors about this free resource so they can share it with their colleagues and pupils.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
