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Veterinary Care Support Apprentice ARMSTRONG VETERINARY SERVICES LIMITED

We are looking to recruit a reliable, motivated individual who wants to pursue a career in the veterinary sector. This position will enable you to train towards the Veterinary Care Support (Level 2 Diploma) Award via the College of Animal Welfare online learning course, alongside working in our independently owned small animal practice. You will be looking after the routine day to day care of domestic and/or wild animals.

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Closing date: 10 Feb 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £9,004.32

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    Monday - Saturday. Days and shifts are to be confirmed.

    Total hours per week: 36.0

  • Expected duration

    14 Months

  • Possible start date

    27 Feb 2023

  • Date posted

    13 Jan 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000122244

  • Positions

    2 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

Requirements for the role include – great people skills (especially at times of distress), confidence around all types of small animal, and the ability to deliver excellent customer service in a demanding service industry. Due to the nature of the job, there may be times when you will be asked to work outside your working hours.

Duties include:

Animal Care

  • Assisting trained staff with handling and restraining animals.
  • Looking after hospitalised patients – duties may include, cleaning, grooming, feeding, and walking.

Reception Duties

  • Communicating with clients and their animals – appointment making (face to face and over the phone).
  • Maintaining a tidy and well-stocked waiting room, promoting and giving advice on products and services.
  • Administration work such as photocopying, faxing and posting.

Cleaning and stock control

  • Ensuring that consultation rooms, treatment rooms, kennelling, corridors and reception areas are clean and tidy.
  • Play a role in stock control; ensuring rooms are stocked with relevant products and consumables.
  • Cleaning and sterilisation of surgical equipment.
  • Laundry of animal bedding and towels.

Other Duties

  • May include running of in house lab tests and travelling with vets to home visits.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

  • VetSkill Level 2 Certificate in Veterinary Care Support.
  • Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required).
  • Award via the College of Animal Welfare online learning course.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Potential for progression to further training following successful completion of Level 2 Diploma.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Customer care skills, Presentation skills, Team working, Friendly, Confidence

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade Grade A*-C/9-4) Desired
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade A*-C/9-4) Desired

Things to consider

Veterinary work is a very rewarding one, but you have to realise that there are the unpleasant sides to it too – animals are messy, so there is a lot of cleaning to be done. You will see animals in pain, we will also be performing surgery, and euthanasia will also be carried out. Due to the untimely nature of emergencies, you may be required to work beyond your set hours on occasions. You need to be able to cope with all of these and more if you are to succeed in this business. You will have to complete a basic numeracy and literacy assessment before being accepted onto the job. Rotas and working days have not yet been finalised, but the working week is from Monday to Saturday and may include some ‘on-call’ work. *Do not contact the employer directly* Please contact Steph Ross on 01480 422060 if you have any queries when making your application. *Please note, the employer reserves the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if sufficient applications are received. Please apply early to avoid potential disappointment * The National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices is £4.81 per hour as of 01/04/2022. This applies to 16-18 year olds and those aged 19+ in the first year of their apprenticeship. For all other apprentices, the NMW appropriate to their age applies. The NMW for apprentices applies to both time spent on the job plus time spent training. More information is available at: www.direct.gov.uk/employment/employees/thenationalminimum wage/dg_10027201

About the employer

Our vet practice is independent and family-owned, helmed by Colin Armstrong (a local vet with twenty years experience) and his wife Helen. Here at Hythe Vet Centre, we have all the latest training and equipment that you’d expect from an RCVS accredited practice, as well as a team who are totally committed to providing a personal and relaxed approach to pet care that sadly is all too rare these days.

Employer

ARMSTRONG VETERINARY SERVICES LIMITED

Address

HYTHE VETERINARY CENTRE

OSBORNE HOUSE

3-5 PORTLAND ROAD

CT21 6EG

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Training

Training provider

THE COLLEGE OF ANIMAL WELFARE LIMITED

Contact

Steph Ross

sross@caw.ac.uk

Apprenticeship standard

Animal care and welfare assistant

Level 2 (GCSE)

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