Graduates

We develop our graduates into high-flying veterinary professionals.

Our longstanding programme has supported over 1,400 graduates since 2012. 

Over two years, it will give you the best start to your career, fully support you, and will help you to develop confidence. 

Designed by experienced vets, it offers a strong clinical foundation and a supportive experience, with an experienced clinical mentor working alongside you in practice. 

For further information on our Companion Animal, Farm and Equine New Graduate Programmes view our brochure.

Download our New Graduate Programme brochure here

Your training

You will receive over £7,500 of dedicated CPD to support the development of your clinical and non-clinical skills. 

Our industry leading ‘Onboarding Phase’ solidifies day-one clinical skills, strengthens professional communication skills and builds confidence. 

It includes a two-week residential programme for all graduates, along with a two-week practice-based induction - covering delegation in practice, practicing GP skills in simulated environments and consultation communication. This will provide you with a peer-support network from the start.

Over the two years, a variety of training options will then give you the opportunity to select specific areas for progression. 

All is supported by theory-based learning on CVS’ unique Knowledge Hub, containing a huge variety of courses on clinical and professional development.

Our support network

Your VetGDP Adviser will be an experienced vet who will provide day-to-day support. 

You will work closely with them to develop your skills and achieve your goals. They will help you to complete your VetGDP e-portfolio. In addition to the mandatory RCVS VetGDP training, our VetGDP Advisers receive additional training to further develop their mentoring skills. 

We are also the only large group that employs New Graduate Pastoral Support Vets. They are available to you for direct pastoral support outside of your practice. They also work closely with practice leaders and VetGDP Advisers, to help ensure that you receive the best possible experience within practice.

Opportunities in our practices

We have opportunities for New Graduate Vets to work within our Companion Animal, Farm and Equine practices.  

With over 500 practice sites across the UK there are some fantastic openings for the 2024 and 2025 Graduate Programme.

There is nothing to pass and you are not assessed or tied in.

At the end of the programme you will automatically continue in your permanent role with us. Here we hold a new graduate careers day - to showcase the variety of opportunities and vacancies available to you within our group.

Our benefits and perks

Some of the benefits of joining us as a New Graduate Vet include:

  • Paid Onboarding Phase which includes a Residential.
  • Attractive starting salary which increases at both the end of year 1 and at the end of year 2.
  • No financial tie-in during or after the programme.
  • Professional memberships (RCVS & VDS).
  • Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 365 days a year helpline to support you and your immediate family when you need it the most.
  • Discounted UK gym membership with Gym Flex.
  • Sharesave scheme.
  • EV Car benefit scheme.
  • Cyclescheme.
  • Health cash plan.
  • Preferential rates on life insurance, critical illness cover and private medical insurance. 
  • Up to 7 weeks annual leave plus Bank Holidays (or equivalent) with our Buy/Sell holiday scheme - allowing you to purchase an additional two weeks of annual leave.  Receive an extra days leave each year in your first 5 years at CVS.
  • Unlimited access to hundreds of free webinars and courses available via Knowledge Hub.
  • Discounted pet treatments.
  • Internal transfers: with a network of over 500 practices we can support you should you need to relocate.
  • CPD valued at over £7,500 with no tie-in or claw back.
  • Vet Oracle telephone and online support service providing direct, supportive and non-judgmental access to specialists.
  • VetGDP Advisers all additionally trained to support you.
  • Regionally based Pastoral Support Vets dedicated to support you.
  • Opportunity to attend a Careers Day at the end of the programme to discuss your next steps which may include (if you wish) new training pathways.
  • Free access to the full BSAVA online library.
  • BSAVA membership for the duration of the programme.

 

How to apply

 

To take your first steps onto the CVS Graduate Programme, please search our current graduate opportunities and apply now.

Current Vacancies

Veterinary Surgeon

Graduate Vet Companion Animal First Opinion New Graduate Programme Ambivet Ripley Salary DOE Region 6 5491 Ripley Derbyshire United Kingdom 14a Derby Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, DE5 3HQ First Opinion First Opinion Permanent
Ambivet in Ripley are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly and supportive team. This role sits within a well-equipped veterinary group with its own OOHS, with a large, experienced team around you for support, and a leadership ...

What our graduates say

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