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Course overview

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).

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements but all apprentices must achieve Maths and English at Level 2 prior to achievement (see below). 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. Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements at the recruitment stage; but due to the nature of the role requiring periods of physical exertion, and safe travel to and within places of work, 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 apprenticeship, have the right to work in England for 50% or more 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 need to sit Functional Skills Tests to complete the apprenticeship as a mandatory requirement.

Application process

Please express your interest by 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.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

Each apprenticeship works towards an independent End Point Assessment where the apprentice will be assessed to see if they have achieved and can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required in their occupational role.

Preparation for the End-Point Assessment process will be tailored to the apprenticeship and will begin in the final year of studies. Successful completion of EPA will lead to the award of the qualification (where applicable) and the apprenticeship certificate. End Point assessment typically involves submitting a work-based project and professional discussion to confirm competence but will vary for each apprenticeship. The course leader will provide more information about your programme requirements. 

How will I be taught?

The majority of the learning will take place off-campus and will be self-directed. Employers must allow the apprentices time to study as part of their apprenticeship programme. The veterinary technicians will all have access to the APTEM apprenticeship learning platform and the university’s Learning Hub as required.

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.