Veterinary Care Support Apprentice

VA363 - Veterinary Care Support Apprentice

We are looking for integral pieces of our veterinary team puzzle in the shape of veterinary care support apprentices to join our teams at a number of our sites across the group.

Overview

Our Level 2 Veterinary Care Support (VCS) Apprenticeship role is an ideal stepping stone for those who see themselves in the veterinary care environment, with this qualification providing the initial key skills. This is a stepping stone for those looking for the next training step working closer to becoming a registered veterinary nurse. This application is for our June cohort, and the course is delivered by our own Training College. Available positions are dependent on upcoming vacancies and cohorts.

The VCS positions are full-time, consisting of 40 hours per week Monday to Friday, including a weekly college day and a regular weekend rotation. If in a hospital position, there will also be a fair share of bank holiday work. Prior animal care is preferred but not essential, though advantageous. A passion for learning, teamwork, and providing the highest standard of patient and client care is essential for success in this role. The role is varied and involves a high level of client care, reception duties, cleaning and upkeep of the practice and its equipment/facilities, and hands-on patient care. You may be required to work across different branches within a commutable distance, including hospital sites. This is an intense industry and profession that can be physical, emotional, and demanding in a high-pressured, unpredictable environment. You will be working alongside experienced teams and will be supported by dedicated tutors with extensive practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Reception duties and high levels of client care
• Cleaning and upkeep of the practice and its equipment/facilities
• Hands-on patient care when required
• Work across different branches within a commutable distance, including hospital sites
• Adapt to a high-pressure and unpredictable environment

Qualifications and requirements

• Interest in a veterinary care environment; prior animal care is preferred but not essential
• Demonstrated passion for learning and teamwork
• Ability to provide high standards of patient and client care
• Willingness to work 40 hours per week, with college day and weekend rotation; hospital positions may include bank holidays

Salary and benefits

• £10 per hour for the first 12 months, then increase to the current national minimum wage
• 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time)
• Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
• Generous colleague discounts
• Opportunity to join private medical healthcare scheme with reduced rate and medical cashback incentives
• Colleague introduction reward, 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Medical cashback plan covering routine costs (dental, physiotherapy, optician, chiropractic, etc.)
• Professional membership fees covered

About us

In 2022, we celebrated our 70th anniversary and now have 46 branches, three hospitals and our own nurse training college. We value all our colleagues and have introduced a Colleague Forum, monthly Town Hall meetings with the board of directors, and live Q&As to ensure collaborative decisions. All senior managers are mental health first aid trained and Wellness plans are offered for all new starters. For queries or to arrange a call, please contact Rose at .