Running a successful veterinary practice depends on having a skilled, motivated, and adaptable team. Whether it’s your veterinary nurses, receptionists, or practice managers – investing in staff development is key to providing the best care for your patients and clients.
One of the most effective and affordable ways to grow your team’s skills is through apprenticeship training. At The College of Animal Welfare (CAW), we deliver high-quality apprenticeships with options that are suitable for the whole practice team.
Apprenticeships for every role in your veterinary team
Apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers or new starters. In fact, they’re open to anyone aged 16 or over, including your existing employees who want to develop new skills or take on more responsibility.
Here’s how apprenticeship training can benefit different members of your team:
- Head Veterinary Nurses and Practice Managers → Leadership and Management apprenticeships to strengthen team leadership and operational skills.
- Clinical Supervisors → Coaching and Mentoring apprenticeships to enhance supervisory confidence and develop future talent.
- Veterinary Receptionists → Customer Service or Business Administration apprenticeships to improve client communication and front-of-house professionalism.
- VCAs, ACAs, and PCAs → a Veterinary Care or Veterinary Nurse Apprenticeship to build solid foundations in animal care and clinical support.
Every programme is designed with employers in mind, ensuring apprentices gain the most relevant and up-to-date skills needed in today’s veterinary workplaces.
Explore all apprenticeships at CAW
Affordable and funded apprenticeship training
One of the biggest misconceptions about apprenticeships is cost. In reality, apprenticeship training is a cost-effective way to invest in your team.
- Affordable: 95% of training fees are funded by the government for most small and medium employers, and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for apprentices is currently just £7.55 per hour (April 2025).*
- Funded: You could receive a £1,000 incentive when hiring 16–18-year-old apprentices – and if your practice has fewer than 50 staff, training for this age group is fully funded.
- Flexible: Apprenticeships can be completed full-time or part-time, fitting around your business needs.
- Supported: We can even advertise roles, screen candidates, and help arrange interviews at no cost to you.
Why apprenticeships work
Apprenticeships combine structured learning with real-world experience, ensuring your team develops skills directly relevant to veterinary practice life. Apprentices learn on the job, contributing to your business while gaining a recognised qualification.
This approach not only improves staff retention but also boosts team morale and productivity. Employees who feel invested in are more likely to stay loyal, engaged, and deliver a better client experience.
Get started today: Download your FREE Employer Guide to Apprenticeships
Whether you want to upskill your current team or bring in fresh new talent, apprenticeships are a smart, sustainable investment in your practice’s future. Download our FREE Employer Guide to learn more about how apprenticeship training can benefit your veterinary practice and how to get started.