Students & Graduates
In addition to supporting our existing colleagues, we are looking towards the next generation of skilled veterinary workers.
We want to develop student and graduate veterinary surgeons and student nurses into high-flying veterinary professionals.
New Graduate Programme
CVS’ two-year New Graduate Programme offers a strong clinical foundation and supportive experience to all veterinary graduates starting their career.
It is underpinned by CVS ‘learning ethos’. This supports graduates; to reflect on their learnings whilst doing the job via case-based experiential learning (70% of graduates’ time); through in-practice mentorship (20% of time); and, through structured and focused professional and clinical courses (10% of time).
To carefully match each graduate to a practice and ensure team fit, there is a two-stage interview process. This first centrally assesses new graduates, and second hosts interviews with potential ‘match’ local practices - for graduates to be selected based on unique practice environments.
A four-week central induction plan then takes place to solidify graduates’ day-one clinical skills, strengthen professional communication skills and build confidence. This includes a two-week central tutorial programme, along with a two-week practice-based induction and onboarding. It covers delegation in practice, practicing GP skills in simulated environments and consultation communication.
This is supported by theory-based learning on CVS’ unique Knowledge Hub with courses on clinical and professional development – including practical surgery, case-based learning on common presentations, and tutorials on mental health.
A vet new graduate programme adviser is available in all sites for pastoral support - for regular meetings, to ensure the delivery of effective clinical care, and to mentor clinical and professional development.
CVS also holds a new graduate careers day - to showcase the variety of career opportunities and vacancies within the group’s sites.
Student Vet Support
CVS has close connections with veterinary schools and veterinary nurse colleges in the UK. Many of our experienced veterinary colleagues have a joint role, with part of their working hours spent honorary and secondment teaching at UK veterinary institutions.
We provide intramural rotation training for students at a number of veterinary colleges for small animal, equine and farm.
Our practices also host extramural studies for veterinary students in year’s three to five of their course.
In addition, we sponsor and support a range of veterinary student events and activities on campus.
Student Veterinary Nurse Programme
We have an industry leading student nurse induction programme. This training covers a wide range of clinical and non-clinical topics both online and face to face.
All of our student nurses are allocated clinical supervisor to develop their clinical skills (who is given special coaching and mentoring training). We have a team of over 400 Student Nurse Clinical Supervisors.
Our student nurses are also encouraged to develop through online learning via our Nursing Hub on Knowledge Hub platform.
Once qualified, extensive internal nursing CPD is offered to all CVS nurses through our Nursing Career Pathway. This training covers a wide range of clinical and non-clinical topics and practical courses such as Schedule 3, CPR, Diagnostic Imaging, Advanced Medicine, Advanced Surgery, Emergency & Critical Care and Clinical Nurse Practitioner, allowing the individual to become an expert in their chosen field.
Apprenticeships
CVS is an award winning apprenticeship employer. We offer carefully selected apprenticeships - ranging from level 2 to level 7 degree - throughout our diverse business, providing opportunities to expand skills and support career aspirations.
Career pathways are important and due to our programmes’ success, we can evidence apprentice growth opportunities. The level 2 animal care veterinary support is a popular apprenticeship amongst our PCA’S, providing an opportunity to develop their skills. This apprenticeship is also an essential gateway into veterinary nursing for those not holding qualifications to fulfil entry criteria.
A key focus of our apprenticeship investment is centred on veterinary nursing studies. Our student nurses attend RCVS registered colleges to complete their formal studies, usually on day release. Alongside college studies, SVN’s work closely with their allocated clinical supervisor in practice to undertake essential clinical learning.
In 2020, we collaborated with Nottingham University to enrol graduate vets onto an Advanced Clinical Practitioner L7 degree programme – the first apprenticeship of its kind within the profession.
Chester Veterinary Training Centre
Chester Veterinary Training Centre (CVTC) is a CVS approved training provider with the ESFA, RCVS and VetSkill awarding body. The main centre is based in Chester with satellite centres in Dereham and Harrogate. They are able to access funding and provide good quality training through apprenticeships and non-apprenticeships for the veterinary industry.
CVTC provides a career path for individuals with a Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support for patient care assistants (PCA), Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing and the Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Practice Nurse and ECC) for registered veterinary nurses.
CVTC is also able to offer the functional skills Maths and English qualification to support the Level 2 apprenticeship or for learners requiring this for the Level 3 qualification. Alongside this, CVTC support students, assessors and CVS employees with CPD including OSCE practical revision, train the trainer and PCA days.
Find out more about Chester Veterinary Training Centre