This week has been Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived by recognising the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent. As part of the celebrations, we caught up with student veterinary nurse, Vicky Collins – thank you so much Vicky for sharing your inspiring story with us.
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TP Times is Back!
We are delighted to announce the re-launch of our training magazine, TP (Training Practice) Times. It has been almost 13 years since TP Times has been produced but the need for information and news related to training of both veterinary nurses and support staff is greater than ever. The bi-monthly magazine will be a digital publication, and is available to anyone working in veterinary practice. Each issue will provide news, updates, competitions and articles relevant to the training of veterinary nurses and the wider practice team, including veterinary care assistants and receptionists.
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BSc Veterinary Nursing Students Take Their Skills Abroad!
As part of the elective module, International Veterinary Nursing, three of our BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing degree students studying with CAW and Middlesex University, are experiencing veterinary care in Central and South America and the Caribbean!
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CAW New Business Development Executive
Introducing Megan Pledger: The College of Animal Welfare’s New Business Development Executive
We are excited to announce a new addition to our team, Megan Pledger, who joined us as Business Development Executive at the beginning of September.
Megan’s role as Business Development Executive is pivotal to the College’s mission of embracing connections with employers and raising awareness of the diverse range of courses we offer, as well as helping businesses best utilise funding and training opportunities to build a strong and committed workforce.
Megan shared her enthusiasm for her role, stating, “I’m keen to meet with, and talk to, employers to gain feedback and see how we can support their learning goals. It’s all about understanding their needs and making sure our programmes align with what they, and the industry, requires.”
Prior to joining The College of Animal Welfare, Megan worked as a head nurse in a veterinary practice. This hands-on experience in a clinical setting provided her with a deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges and opportunities within the veterinary field. Megan’s journey then took her into practice development for a veterinary corporate, before transitioning into business development for a large animal health company.
If you are an employer looking into training for your staff or wanting to chat about how apprenticeships can be a cost-effective way of expanding and growing your team, please give Megan a call on 01480 422060 or email mpledger@caw.ac.uk
Land Available Via Auction in Godmanchester
The College of Animal Welfare will be selling 7.5 Acres of land in Silver Street, Godmanchester by Auction on Wednesday 13 December 2023.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire 7.52 acres (3.04 hectares) of grassland and woodland in the village of Godmanchester. The land is predominantly laid to grass, with a small pond to the western boundary and a woodland area to the south. The land is naturally split into two parcels, connected via a grass track, wide enough for vehicular access. There is a small brick store and timber shed housing the services. The land is classified as Grade 2 on the Agricultural Land Classification Map and the Soil Survey of England & Wales classifies the soils as being of the Hanslope series of which the soils are described as slowly permeable calcareous clayey soils, with some non-calcareous clayey soils.
CAW Now Approved to Accept Enhanced Learning Credits for Armed Forces Members
We are delighted to announce that we are now a Ministry of Defence (MOD) approved Learning Provider to accept Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) for the following qualifications:
- Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (Companion Animal)
- Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming
- Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management
- Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
- Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping
- Level 3 Diploma in Accounting
- Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting
The ELC scheme is designed to assist serving members and leavers of the Armed Forces in pursuing further education and training. Through the scheme, eligible personnel can access funding to cover the course fees and awarding body fees for approved courses, helping them to make a smooth transition to civilian life or advance their career whilst in service.
We are committed to supporting the education and professional development of our military personnel. We understand the unique challenges and sacrifices made by members and leavers of the Armed Forces, and we are honoured to be a part of the journey towards personal and career growth.
VN Futures DIWP working group launches menopause toolkit
As part of the VN Futures Diversity, Inclusivity and Widening Participation (DIWP) working group, The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) have launched a free-to-access menopause toolkit, providing signposting to support and resources for veterinary nurses.
Providing a range of resources, including discussion panels, blog articles, podcasts and signposting to supportive organisations, this toolkit contains information to assist veterinary nurses in navigating menopause and perimenopause – both personally and in the workplace. There are also resources for employers and colleagues of those affected by the menopause, and example policies to assist organisations to adopt menopause-friendly measures.
The toolkit can be accessed via the BVNA website here.
Alex Taylor, BVNA Senior Vice President and Chair of DIWP, said: “One of this year’s campaigns from the VN Futures DIWP working group is focused on creating awareness about working as a veterinary nurse affected by perimenopause and menopause. We strongly believe that all employers should have a menopause policy and put measures in place to ensure veterinary nurses affected by menopause can carry out the job role without feeling embarrassed or worried that menopausal symptoms will interfere with their everyday work life and career progression. By working together, both employers and employees can make reasonable adjustments in the workplace to provide a menopause-friendly environment that is inclusive for all.”
The VN Futures DIWP working group’s campaigns have this year also included career changes into veterinary nursing, equity and inclusion for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, guidance for religious clothing, and flexible working.
BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing Degree Open for Applications Via UCAS Clearing
We are delighted to announce our BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing programme at Huntingdon will be open for applications via UCAS Clearing from 5 July!
Delivered in conjunction with Middlesex University and starting in October 2023, throughout the programme you’ll learn through a mix of theoretical study and practical experience, developing your clinical skills under the guidance of expert veterinary professionals.
Whether you’ve already received an offer but are thinking about changing course or university, or have yet to make an application for a course, clearing is open to anyone who meets the entry requirements for the programme, and could be your route into a career in veterinary nursing.
Get a head start and make Clearing easy by signing up for the Middlesex University Early Bird Clearing Support Package before 5 July at: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/clearing. After 5 July you can apply by logging into your existing UCAS account (or create one if you are applying for the first time) and then search for the course (course code D107).
CAW Business School Celebrates a Decade of Excellence in AAT Accounting and Bookkeeping Training
CAW Business School (part of The College of Animal Welfare group) is thrilled to mark a significant milestone as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of offering accounting and bookkeeping training courses accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).
Over the past decade, it has been providing courses that equip aspiring accountants and bookkeepers with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving financial landscape.
“We are incredibly proud to be commemorating a decade of providing AAT training courses”, said Melanie Young, Vice Principal. “Our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and maintaining the highest standards of education has been instrumental in the success of our students during this time.”
CAW Business School comprises highly qualified and experienced tutors who bring a wealth of industry knowledge to the classroom. The combination of theoretical instruction and practical application allows students to develop a deep understanding of accounting principles while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools.
The success stories of CAW Business School alumni speak volumes about the quality of education they received. Many past students have gone on to achieve remarkable professional milestones, taking up positions in accounting firms, corporate organisations, and public sector entities. One such student, Danielle Chelley, said “I am proud to have achieved my AAT level 3 and 4 with a merit. Professionally I have just secured a secondment and am working abroad for three years. I know I will go from strength to strength and my AAT qualification will help me get there”.
Looking ahead, the College remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals and adapting its programmes; ensuring that students are equipped with the most relevant skills for their future.
Read more about our AAT accounting and bookkeeping courses here.
Discover a World of Teaching Opportunities at our ‘Working in Veterinary Nurse Education’ information webinar!
Are you a veterinary nurse or veterinary surgeon with a passion for sharing knowledge and inspiring future generations? Perhaps you are a clinical coach and have discovered the joy of helping students to learn, or maybe you are just looking at other career opportunities outside of veterinary practice life. If so, we invite you to join us for online ‘Working in Veterinary Nurse Education’ information webinar that that could unlock the doors to a fulfilling career as a veterinary nurse lecturer.
Thursday 8 June, 7-8pm, Online.
During this event we’ll explore the path to becoming a lecturer, looking at what the role involves, salary scales and training. There will also be the opportunity to ask questions to some of our current lecturing team, and find out what current opportunities are available at the College.