Veterinary Technician Higher Apprenticeship

The new Vet Technician (Livestock) Apprenticeship is a Level 5 programme of learning, which offers employees veterinary technical and professional education linked to work-based learning and personal development.

An apprenticeship is a job first, with specialist training to support professional development. Apprentices must be employed in the appropriate role on the first day of their apprenticeship and be supported by their employer to achieve training and assessment towards the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs).

Career Progression

Apprenticeship roles may be job roles such as: Vet Tech, Vet Tech CSO (certification support officer), Vet Tech mobility scorer/foot trimmer, Vet Tech ATT (approved tuberculin tester), Vet Technician manager or other emerging job titles. To fulfil apprentice eligibility, the apprentice’s role must have responsibility for duties across the business, and the training must be delivered for more than a 12-month period.

Funding

An apprentice must be employed and salaried by a company for the full duration of their apprenticeship, working a minimum of 30 hours per week. The company cover the cost of the apprenticeship via Government funding either from Apprenticeship levy, levy transfer, or co-investment, which is currently charged at 5% of the total fees required. Many employers will also cover accommodation costs* and expenses during on-campus block weeks of training.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements except a requirement to have GCSE Maths and English (see below). However, Vet Tech candidates are likely to have some husbandry skills and livestock knowledge, and may have worked in a vet practice at a more junior level. A Vet Tech may be required to work unsociable hours and will be a self-starter, required to visit clients. Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements at recruitment stage; but due to the nature of the role requiring periods of physical exertion, and safe travel to and within ports, it is expected that candidates will meet certain medical standards of physical health and it is highly likely they will hold a full standard driving licence. As part of the regulations all apprentices undergo a detailed initial assessment of prior knowledge, skills and behaviours. The apprentice must be employed on the first day of study, have the right to work in England for more than 51% of their time, and have been living in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years.

English and Maths

Apprentices cannot achieve an apprenticeship without GCSE English and Maths (A*-C or 9 - 4). Ideally, this will need to be completed prior to enrolment via the functional skills route. This can be funded separately and taken at a local college or provider. If apprentices cannot locate GCSE or equivalent certificates, they will be asked to sit Functional Skills Tests to complete the apprenticeship as a mandatory requirement.

Application process

Please express your interest be email to apprenticeships@harper-adams.ac.uk for further information. The apprenticeship team can offer guidance to employers who may not have accessed Government funding or co-investment previously and need help to reserve funding for apprentices.