Heathfield Vets wins apprenticeship award from Plumpton College

A veterinary practice in Heathfield has won major recognition for its apprenticeship programme.

Heathfield Vets in Hailsham Road recently scooped Plumpton College’s Veterinary Nurse Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Awards beating all of the practices in the area that the college takes students from.

With around 100 nursing students studying through the college, winning the award was a huge accolade for the team at Heathfield Vets and a real surprise.

Practice Manager Donné Stam explains: “’We thought we were going to show our support for the college and meet other colleagues in training practices for a nice evening, so we were very chuffed to be called up as the winner. We invest a lot in the training of our nursing staff, so it’s great to get this recognition.

“There are practical exams, alongside written exams, a portfolio and assignments to complete over the three years and we have very dedicated clinical coaches who are excellent at upholding the standard of care. Veterinary nursing is the one of the hardest apprenticeship Plumpton offers – students need to understand anatomy, physiology, drugs and anaesthesiology among other things – it’s a rigorous programme and expectations are high.”

Heathfield Vets describes itself as a general training practice of which there are very few due to, says Donné, the financial investment and the amount of input needed from senior members of staff.

Plumpton College is the closest college to Heathfield and offers a day release programme. There are two options – the diploma or a Nursing Foundation Degree.

“We like the day release system as the apprentices learn the theory at college which they can immediately put into practice when they are at work,” added Donné.

According to Donné there is a real shortage of veterinary nurses in England which means there are many opportunities for those with qualifications. Almost all of Heathfield Vet’s own nurses came through the apprenticeship programme at the surgery including Head Nurse  Vicki Farrant. Heathfield Vets is an independently owned, small-animal practice with a mission to provide tailored veterinary care that is as unique as your pet.

The team is committed to treating your pet as they would their own – providing both them and you with the very best care, support and advice.

With exceptional clinical and surgical facilities, Heathfield Vets is able to offer all the usual services you’d expect if your pet is unwell, as well as some more specialised ones, together with a comprehensive routine preventative care programme to keep your pet in tip top shape.