Students celebrate graduation at CQ ceremony
“Congratulations to everyone who graduated today” – Ben Fogle.
More than 100 students from training centres across the UK celebrated qualifying as veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing assistants at Central Hall, Westminster, on Saturday, 9 March.
The graduates of CQ’s Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and Diploma for Veterinary Nurse Assistants were handed their ceremonial scrolls by adventurer, broadcaster and writer Ben Fogle as friends and family looked on.
Mr Fogle also gave the keynote speech, in which he talked about growing up in a veterinary household, finding fame as part of the Castaway 2000 television series, rowing across the Atlantic with James Cracknell, and reaching the summit of Mount Everest.
He ended his speech by urging the graduates not to forget their dreams and ambitions and to climb their own Everests, whatever that might be.
The event also saw the winners of the Veterinary Nursing Educator Awards 2024 collect their awards. Donna Green of Central College of Animal Studies and Beverly Shingleton of Plumpton College were rewarded for their dedication to veterinary nurse training and the positive impact they have had on their students and colleagues.
Jacqui Garrett, CQ director, said: “As always, it’s been a great day at the CQ Graduation and Awards Ceremony. Veterinary nurses and nursing assistants play such an important role in the veterinary profession and it was an honour to see this new cohort graduate. I’m sure they will excel in the workplace and make a big difference to the lives of so many animals.”
Mr Fogle added: “It was a real privilege to be here today to celebrate the hard work and achievements of this new generation of veterinary nurses and veterinary nurse assistants. Congratulations to everyone who graduated today.”
Image © Central Qualifications
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. 
