A new career opportunity for animal lovers
In my last article in September I discussed the very important role of the farm administrator and how difficult it was finding a qualified and experienced person to do this work and that it was like finding a needle in a haystack.
There was a lot of interest and I hope now that the new BTEC vocational Higher National qualifications being developed to support this area will have a positive effect. If you want to know more please get in contact with the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators where they will be able to provide you with information and support.
The new BTEC HN qualifications in land-based subjects are trying to support the wider industry in meeting the government’s targets in producing a skilled workforce meeting future demands.
We have mentioned above the support BTEC are providing the land-based sector with trained farm administrators through their new HN qualifications in Agriculture but also they are supporting many other occupations. In October BTEC successfully validated another HN qualification in Animal Management at level 4 HNC and at level 5 HND. There are many vocational pathways - career choices - but the one most people do not realise is the one to become a veterinary practice manager.
Working with animals is a very popular career choice and many people, especially young people, love to work with domestic and exotic animals and some of the career choices in this area are to become a zookeeper, veterinary nurse or vet.
Well now for the very first time there is a new nationally recognised qualification to become a veterinary practice manager. According to the Veterinary Practice Management Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons there is a high demand for such a person taking organisational charge of a veterinary practice making sure it is running effectively and efficiently. Over the last 20 years or so the number of veterinary practices have grown and it has been a struggle to find the people with the right skills to manage such a complex business.
The skills issue is mainly with management areas such as business management, accounts, marketing, human resources, and so on. The new BTEC HN in Animal Management – Pathway - Veterinary Practice Management will deliver skills and experience working with animals while at the same time supporting the management type areas which will lead onto a worthwhile and rewarding career choice.
The new BTEC Higher National certificate/diploma qualification in Animal Management will be ready for delivery in September 2018. This new qualification will enable colleges to deliver vocational education and training to people (full or part time) with the necessary experience and skills to tackle the major problems and concerns that many veterinary practices have.
If you are interested in a rewarding career contact your nearest land-based college and ask about the new BTEC suite of Higher National qualifications.
Chris Jones is involved in land-based education, training and mentoring
