Author Archives: Amber Tennant

world aids day 2017 red ribbon

World Aids Day 2017 (1 December) #EndIt

Today is World Aids Day!

World Aids Day is a national awareness day dedicated to highlighting the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.

This year has seen the first significant reduction in HIV diagnosis for gay men in London. This is due to frequent testing, rapid treatment and PrEP. The National Aids Trust (NAT) is looking for a new burst of energy in order to grow this success to include everybody at risk, wherever they may be in the UK.

But the fight doesn’t end with the virus itself. World Aids Day is also about pushing against the ignorance and discrimination that still limits the opportunities of over 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK. Those living with HIV are more likely to live in poverty, and more likely to have poor mental health.

What you can do

Campaign: Contact your local MP and ensure they are showing leadership on HIV. Make sure they understand the needs and priorities of their constituents who are living with or affected by HIV.

Educate: Download campaign resources from the World Aid’s Day website, and turn your school or workplace into an education hub. Encourage people to learn more about the history of HIV, what life with HIV is like, and how to protect themselves from being at risk of HIV. Fight stigma by breaking down the many myths surrounding HIV.

Fundraise: Get involved! There are many fundraising activities which can raise vital funds for the National Aids Trust (NAT). Doing so will ensure NAT continues to champion the rights of people with HIV and campaign for policy change. Download NATs fundraising pack

Volunteer: NAT offer volunteering opportunities with the following teams in its central London office: administration, communications, finance, fundraising and policy/campaigns. If you are interested in volunteering with NAT,  send them a message and they will try to match you with relevant upcoming opportunities.

For further information about World Aid’s Day visit www.worldaidsday.org

student dog groomer with dog - level 3 diploma dog grooming blog

In the spotlight: Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming

In August 2017, the City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming was discontinued for new registrations, being replaced by the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming.  The new programme has become the only City & Guilds recognised dog grooming qualification available at this level. This naturally begs the question: what do we know about the new qualification?

What’s new:

  • Completion of the Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants is now a perquisite for studying the programme.
  • Since the change, there are far fewer training providers running level 3 programmes. This is because both new and existing centres who wish to offer the qualification must go through City & Guilds’ full Qualification Approval Process; there is no fast track approval for this qualification.
  • There are no optional units within this qualification; instead the programme is made up of four mandatory units: Health and safety, legislation and code of practice for the dog grooming industry; preparing, styling and finishing a dog; health checking and handling a dog in a dog grooming environment; customer service and recording keeping in a dog grooming environment.
  • In order to achieve the Level 3 Certificate in Introductory Dog Grooming, students were required to demonstrate achievement against units or subsets of the qualification content in order to gain enough credits to pass. By contrast, the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming requires students to bring together and apply learning from across the qualification during one set of practical assessments. During the assessments, candidates will be given occupationally relevant problems to solve or outcomes to achieve; covering health checks, first aid and the grooming of dogs with different coat types and for different requirements.
  • Additionally, successful completion of the qualification will require learners to pass a written exam, which covers the theory within the mandatory units.

Dog Grooming training at The College of Animal Welfare

We run both the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants, and the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming from our centres in Huntingdon and Leeds.

Key Facts

Block or Day release study options
Our dog grooming qualifications can be undertaken on either a day release or block release basis, meaning you can choose a method of study which fits around existing commitments. As a day release student you would attend college part time, one day per week. Suitably qualified and experienced block release students would attend college full time, from Monday to Friday for a set number of weeks.

Pay as you learn
Unlike many other colleges, our Level 3 dog grooming course fees can be either paid in before the beginning of the course, or via our monthly payment scheme. What’s more – if you are over 19 years of age and undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming, you may be entitled to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help fund your studies! Find out more about fees and finance

Practical learning
Working with our qualified groomers in the College’s state-of-the-art dog grooming suites, there is a significant emphasis placed on developing practical skills throughout our programmes, giving you the skills and experience needed to stand out and progress within the industry.

For further information regarding our dog grooming training visit www.caw.ac.uk/dg Alternatively, contact us at admin@caw.ac.uk or on 01480 422060.

dog and cat - animal care apprentice training

Grow your team with an animal care apprentice!

If you’re looking to expand your team and take your business to the next level, there’s no better way to do so than investing in an Animal Care Apprentice! With the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices being just £3.50 per hour, it really is an affordable way to take on new staff whilst providing valuable experience and a training opportunity for someone keen to start working with animals.

What’s in it for me?

Cut your recruitment costs!
Boosting your team with an apprentice is a great way to bypass the added recruitment costs associated with outsourcing or recruiting skilled labour. You can fill your skills gaps by investing in the long term development of an apprentice, growing your own motivated, talented and loyal employee. What’s more – you can save even more on recruitment costs when you take on an apprentice with The College of Animal Welfare. As part of the recruitment process, we can advertise, filter applications for you and even arrange your interviews if you wish – all for FREE! Take a look at the recruitment process

No need to attend College!
As our apprenticeship programmes are work-based, you will not lose your apprentice to college time, all their learning will be done in the work place with support from a Work-based Learning Assessor who will visit your apprentice on a regular basis, and provide telephone and email support between visits. What’s more… Apprentices no longer have to be full-time employees and can undertake an apprenticeship part-time!

Gain an extra pair of hands for less!
Employers who take on an apprentice aged between 16-18 years of age will also receive a £1,000 incentive towards training fees; with further reductions available for organisations with less than 50 contracted employees. And, with the National Minimum Wage for Apprentices standing at £3.50 (November 2017), you can develop an apprentice for much less than it would cost to recruit for qualified labour.

Grow an employee who meets your business needs!
Whilst the majority of students undertake the Animal Care and Welfare pathway of our animal care qualifications, there are other pathways available such as Animal Training and Pet Care and Retail; allowing you to tailor your apprentice to specific business objectives and needs.

Benefit from specialist training with a reputable provider!
The College of Animal Welfare is one of the UKs leading providers of veterinary nurse and animal care training, running from four centres across the UK. We are very proud of the fact that all of our staff delivering our animal care courses have significant industry experience and knowledge under their belts; they all share a common passion for pushing the profession forward. Your apprentice will learn all the skills and knowledge needed to drive your business forward and become the best animal carers they can be.

Discover the benefits that apprenticeship training can bring to your business

Don’t just take it from us – hear what our employers have to say about the impact an animal care apprentice has had on their business…

Claire Brass joined the Darlington Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) as a volunteer before becoming an apprentice, working her way up Head of Retired Section during her studies. Her line manager, Janet, said of Claire:

“Claire works to the best of her capabilities and is amazing within her role. Her strongest points are working with people…from the volunteers she supervises to the potential adopters who visit for information she makes everyone welcome and goes out of her way to help the adoption process. We have regular Duke of Edinburgh students and adults with special needs who Claire works closely with, very keen to spread the importance of animals as therapy.

“When not working at the kennels, Claire has driven hounds all over to their new homes, not put off by distance she has been as far as the Isle of Skye which required an overnight stay to ensure four hounds had the safety of a kennel. Claire has helped organise many fundraisers and embraced them all even though many include early mornings which are not her strong point! To begin with she had no knowledge of holding a fundraiser but can now confidently contact businesses as needed for preparation.”

What will my apprentice learn?

Our City & Guilds Animal Care Apprenticeship programmes run within a 90 mile radius of our Huntingdon, Leeds and Potters Bar centres. They will equip apprentices with the practical skills and knowledge needed across key animal care skills. Examples of units include:

  • Implement, monitor and evaluate plans for the health and welfare of animals
  • Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security of the workplace
  • Plan the handling and restraint of animals
  • Plan, supervise and control the movement of animals
  • Plan diets and feeding regimes for animals
  • Monitor and evaluate the feeding of animals
  • Plan the accommodation of animals
  • Monitor and evaluate the accommodation of animals
  • Load and unload animals for transportation
  • Establish animals in a new environment

Not looking to recruit new staff? Train your current staff!

If you would like to train an existing member of staff, your employee will need to select the programme they are interested in and apply online. If you would like to speak to a member of our team directly regarding our animal care apprenticeship training, please contact us at admin@caw.ac.uk or on 01480 422060.

head nurse congress 2018 - delegates and exhibitors

Back by popular demand – Head Nurse Congress 2018!

We are delighted to announce that Head Nurse Congress, sponsored by the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA), is back from 19-20 May 2018!

Returning to the wonderful Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa in Northamptonshire, this year’s congress includes lectures on staff well-being, recruitment, managing difficult situations, leadership and coaching skills, Neuro-Linguistic Programming – and much more!

Not only will Head Nurse Congress increase your confidence in your everyday leadership and management skills, it will provide 12 hours of evidenced Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Be an early bird and book before 31 March 2018!

Delegates who book before 31 March 2018 will be able to attend both days of Head Nurse Congress 2018 for the fantastic early bird price of just £249+VAT. For a full event agenda and booking details visit www.caw.ac.uk/hnc

Back by popular demand – Head Nurse Congress 2018!

The College of Animal Welfare is delighted to announce that Head Nurse Congress, sponsored by the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA), is back from 19-20 May 2018!

Returning to the wonderful Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa in Northamptonshire, this year’s congress includes lectures on staff well-being, recruitment, managing difficult situations, leadership and coaching skills, Neuro-Linguistic Programming – and much more! Not only will Head Nurse Congress increase your confidence in your everyday leadership and management skills, it will provide 12 hours of evidenced Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Tracey Croucher, Short Course and Events Manager at The College of Animal Welfare, said “We are delighted to have secured a variety of leading speakers from both inside and outside of the veterinary profession, to discuss topics which are truly relevant to the head nurse in today’s modern veterinary practice.” She added: “We are looking forward to, what is set to be, another excellent opportunity for those involved in veterinary practice management to come together to gain valuable CPD.”

Be an early bird and book before 31 March 2018!

Delegates who book before 31 March 2018 will be able to attend both days of congress for the fantastic early bird price of just £249+VAT. For a full event agenda and booking details visit www.caw.ac.uk/hnc or call the college on 01480 422060.

– Ends –

For more information please contact:
Alison German RVN
Senior Marketing and Communications Coordinator
The College of Animal Welfare
Tel: 01480 422060
Email: agerman@caw.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

About The College of Animal Welfare

The College is one of the UK’s leading providers of veterinary nurse and animal care training and education; operating from four training centres around the UK.

The College has a well-earned reputation for excellence and has created a number of unique achievements that have created new opportunities for learning, including the creation of the very first BSc Honours Veterinary Nursing degree programme jointly developed, delivered and assessed with Middlesex University in 1998.

For more information about The College of Animal Welfare please visit www.caw.ac.uk

christmas tree bauble close up

CAW Festive Employers Evening: Thursday 7 December, 6-9pm!

Calling all employers!

We are delighted to invite you to join us on Thursday 7 December at our Huntingdon centre (6-9pm), to make new connections, share some Christmas spirit and expand your network over cheese, wine and mince pies!

What’s more – the event will present the ideal opportunity to pick the brains of the CAW team, and learn more about how we can cater to your training needs. With further information on apprenticeships, distance learning and programmes in business, animal and veterinary studies available throughout the evening; for those looking to grow their business or upskill their staff, this is an event not to be missed!

Our festive evening will be held on Thursday 7 December, from 6-9pm at Headland House, Godmanchester PE29 2BQ.  

If you would like to attend the event, simply confirm your attendance with Tracey at tcroucher@caw.ac.uk or on 01480 422060 by Friday 24 November. ☃️🎄

 

More employer evenings to follow – save the dates!

» Leeds: Monday 29 January 2018, 6-9pm
» Potters Bar: Tuesday 27 March 2018, 6-9pm
» Edinburgh: Wednesday 18 April 2018, 6-9pm

labrador - dog grooming virtual open day

Virtual Open Day: Find out everything you need to know about training as a dog groomer!

Join us on Facebook and find out everything you need to know about training as a dog groomer during our Virtual Open Day (28 November, 11am-2pm)!

Whether you are looking to start out on the road to a successful career in dog grooming, already working in industry, or looking to gain the skills to change career – undertaking a City & Guilds dog grooming qualification could be your next career move!

From benefits and admissions, to fees and course content – the CAW team will be taking to Facebook to answer any queries you may have about dog grooming training. We’ll be discussing everything you need to know about gaining an internationally recognised qualification in dog grooming, whilst learning practical skills on-the-job!

This is an excellent opportunity to speak to course advisors and gain valuable information about your career options with formal training under your belt, without the need to attend an open day in person.

To join the online discussion, or post a question to a member of our team, simply join us on our Facebook page on Tuesday 28 November, any time from 11:00 am – 14.00 pm (UK time)!

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team directly, contact us on 01480 422060. Further information on our dog grooming programmes can be found at www.caw.ac.uk/dg

Dog Grooming Facebook Open Day Ad 201711132

black friday cpd deal

Black Friday 2017: Get 30% off any CPD course!

We are delighted to announce we will be offering 30% off any of our CPD courses on Friday 24 November!

To take advantage of this fantastic offer, simply enter the code BLACKFRIDAY17 on checkout for any booking made via our online booking system!* This code can be used as many times as you like for the duration of Black Friday – what’s not to love?!

To view our selection of CPD courses prior to Black Friday, visit www.caw.ac.uk/cpd

*Promotion valid on Friday 24 November 2017, for online bookings only. Please note the offer does not apply to the Microchip Implantation Refresher for Veterinary Nurses.

Join us at London Vet Show 2017!

The College of Animal Welfare will be exhibiting at this year’s London Vet Show, from 16-17 November. If you are attending, come along to stand V14 and say hello!

We will be on hand to discuss veterinary receptionist training, leadership and management, coaching and mentoring, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes for the veterinary profession, TP approval, providing veterinary work placements – and much more!

What’s more – come along and you could be in with a chance of winning a CPD voucher!

london vet show logo - college of animal welfare

London Vet Show 2017

Now in its ninth year, London Vet Show, in association with the Royal Veterinary College and the British Veterinary Association, is a two day, conference-led exhibition for veterinary professionals. Offering world-class CPD for a fraction of the cost of typical events, and access to Europe’s largest veterinary exhibition of over 450 leading suppliers.          

With seven clinical streams, a business stream, sponsor-led workshops and association rooms; the conference programme is a great opportunity to listen to – and interact with – some of the leading thinkers, visionaries and practitioners in small and large animal veterinary.

And for the 2017 event the event will have its best programme and line-up of speakers yet! The expanded seven-track format is designed for engagement and interaction and there will be over 200 inspirational speakers in total.

For further information on the London Vet Show visit www.londonvetshow.co.uk

Animals in War

animals in war
“This monument is dedicated to all the animals that served and died alongside British and Allied forces in wars and campaigns throughout time.” Animals in War Memorial, London

The British, Commonwealth and Allied forces enlisted many millions of animals to serve and often die alongside their armies. The following animals, among many others, were chosen for a variety of their natural instincts and served courageously throughout the first and second world wars.

Horses, Mules and Donkeys
Eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys died in the First World War. Mules used their tremendous stamina to transport ammunition and supplies to the front line in spite of difficult terrain and appalling climates. Many died from the horrors of shellfire, as well as through extreme weather conditions.

_76675246_10013673_mary_evans_casualty_dogDogs
The intelligence and loyalty displayed by dogs was valued by the forces in conflicts throughout history. They performed many duties, such as running messages, detecting mines, digging out bomb victims and acting as guard or patrol dogs. Many battled on despite horrific wounds and in terrifying circumstances to the limit of their endurance.

Casualty dogs were trained to find wounded or dying soldiers on the battlefield. They carried medical equipment to injured soldiers so they could treat themselves, and would stay beside dying soldiers so they were not alone during their final moments.

Cats
Cats are often overlooked in the history of military animals, but they were a common sight in the trenches and aboard ships during the first and second world wars. Cats served as mousers and ratters in order to protect food storage and prevent the spread of diseases. Among their ‘official’ duties, cats acted as a morale boost for many members of the forces, being embraced as mascots and pets by the soldiers with whom they served.

Pigeons

Flying at the rate of a mile a minute from the front line, from behind enemy lines or from ships or aeroplanes; pigeons flew through all weathers, even when severely wounded and exhausted, in order to carry vital messages home when other methods of communication were compromised.

For further information about the animals in war memorial fund, please visit www.animalsinwar.org.uk