Cuts to apprenticeship fees make training veterinary nurses more affordable

10 April 2019

The government has recently announced that as of 1 April 2019, employers with an annual pay bill of less than £3 million will now only be required to contribute half the rate they previously did towards apprenticeship fees. Small (non-levy paying) employers contribute to apprenticeship fees in a ‘co-investment’ with the government in which the government will now cover 95% of the course fees.

Veterinary nursing apprenticeships now only cost a total of £750 for small employers and are suitable for current staff, or new trainees.

Taking on an apprentice has a whole host of benefits and allows a veterinary practice to develop an employee who meets business needs. A combination of theory and practical learning in the workplace allows apprentices to put their knowledge into practice, gaining valuable industry experience and an immediate contribution to the team.

Frank Taylor, Vice-Principal of Veterinary Studies at The College of Animal Welfare said: “It’s amazing to hear that the government has halved apprenticeship fees for non-levy employers. Apprenticeships are a great way for students to develop both the theory and practical skills they need to succeed; making hiring an apprentice that bit more affordable will definitely benefit the veterinary industry.”

Involved in training approximately 20% of the UKs veterinary nurses The College of Animal Welfare is now looking for the next generation of veterinary nurses and the September intake is now open. For more information, click here or call 01480 422060.

For more information on our free veterinary nurse student membership, click here.