Apprenticeships

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Award winning apprenticeships

CVS promotes and engages in apprenticeship opportunities to support the development of our colleagues and attract new talent to our business and profession. We have a minimum of 450 active apprentices in England at anytime, covering a variety of apprenticeship programmes. 

In 2023 CVS won a National Apprenticeship Regional Employer Award in recognition for our dedication to apprenticeships. We’re active members of the National Apprenticeship Ambassador Network where we regularly engage with other employers, young people and link with ministers to collaboratively fulfil objectives set by government. CVS are also proactively involved in trailblazer groups to review and create new apprenticeship standards relating to our profession. 

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Our apprenticeships

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills through a structured programme, alongside gaining valuable real life working experience whilst in a paid role. 

In CVS we offer a range of carefully selected apprenticeships throughout our diverse business, covering a variety of programmes from Level 2 – Level 7 degree. Examples of the apprenticeships we have supported include veterinary nursing, veterinary nursing assistant, laboratory scientist degree, Customer Service, IT, accounting, marketing, HR legal and many more. 

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, students work closely with their allocated clinical supervisor in practice to undertake essential clinical learning. This apprenticeship typically takes 30-36 months to complete. 

In 2020, we collaborated with the University of Nottingham to enrol graduate vets onto an Advanced Clinical Practitioner L7 degree programme – the first apprenticeship of its kind within the profession.

This apprenticeship is designed for those working in Veterinary Practice, undertaking a veterinary care supporting role, such as Patient Care Assistants (PCA). The programme covers relevant practical skills and underpinning knowledge, enabling the learner to provide a good level of support to the Veterinary Nurse and Veterinary Surgeon. On completion, this apprenticeship is an accepted alternative entry qualification for entry onto L3 Veterinary Nursing, subject to additional entry conditions being met.

The L3 veterinary nursing programme provides apprentices with the practical competence and underpinning knowledge required for veterinary nurses. On completion of the full programme and successfully passing End Point Assessment, students will join the RCVS register of Veterinary nurses. Entry requirements are typically 5x GCSE’s grade C or above (4-9) and must include English, Maths and science. Some alternative qualifications are accepted. 

Working within one of our dedicated laboratory sites, apprentices completing this pathway will complete their studies with a carefully selected university. Studies are usually delivered via a blended approach, consisting of online learning and attendance on university campus. The duration is typically 4.5 years.

 

Our training centres

CVTC has been delivering excellence in veterinary nurse training since 2009. It is rated 'good' by Ofsted with higher-than-average pass rates.

Its three sites in Chester, Harrogate and Diss are situated next to veterinary practices supporting the practical aspect of apprenticeship training. 

Our mission is to provide high quality accessible training for all apprentices of all abilities enabling them to succeed in their chosen career. CVTC strives to prepare apprentices to become effective, well rounded and highly competent individuals. Apprentices learn in small groups in a dedicated learning space which enables the centres to offer excellent support and high-quality teaching by experienced veterinary nurses. 

Further information on CVTC can be found at www.chestervtc.co.uk.

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What is an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills through a structured programme, alongside gaining valuable real life working experience whilst in a paid role. As an apprentice, the employer will cover all the tuition fees and the apprentice cannot be asked to contribute towards these costs. Apprentices will complete their learning during paid, working hours. This is called ‘off the job learning’ which on average is 6 hours a week. The learning method will depend upon the apprenticeship being completed - this could include college attendance (usually 1 day a week), online learning or blended (a mixture of both on line and college).

Who can be an apprentice?

An apprentice must be at least 16 years old and there isn’t a maximum age for funding.  You can also complete more than 1 apprenticeship but they must be different apprenticeships and cannot be completed at the same time.  Apprentices must be employed and the role must relate to the apprenticeship being completed to ensure adequate experience will be obtained in the workplace. 

How to apply

Should you wish to get in touch to discuss your interests further please email apprenticeships@cvsvets.com.

Please also see our job vacancies page here.

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