A new resource for secondary school-aged pupils has been launched to encourage young people to consider a career in the veterinary professions.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) endorsed the ‘Vet Team in a Box’ secondary school lesson, as it aims to inspire young people to become the vets and vet nurses of the future.
‘Vet Team in a Box’, which is sponsored by ManyPets pet insurance, is designed in-line with National Curriculum key stage 3 science, where students will participate in ‘real-life’ veterinary scenarios.
During the scenarios, students will perform diagnostic tests similar to those used to diagnose real animals and will interpret scientific evidence.
The resource has been created by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with members of the Widening Participation Vet Schools Network, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA), Vet Nurse Futures and HE Unboxed.
It will be showcased at the London Vet Show on November 17 and 18 at ExCel London and will then available to schools from late November.
This project aims to demystify the veterinary professions and some of the perceived barriers to joining it for both young people and their advisors.
It will cover content from science, critical thinking, communication, mathematics, analytics to problem-solving skills and teamwork.
BVA president, Malcolm Morley, said: “This is a fantastic new resource which is not only educational but fun for pupils to take part in. I am extremely proud to be part of the veterinary profession, which is made up of incredible people from all walks of life.
“It is so important to demonstrate to young people that they can play an important role in delivering animal welfare, whatever their educational, financial or cultural background.
“This resource is sure to spark an interest in many young minds and help the vets and vet nurses of the future to take their first steps on this rewarding career path.
“We would encourage any vets or vet nurses who are in a position to advise young people about their career or who have links with schools to tell their teachers and guidance counsellors about this free resource so they can share it with their colleagues and pupils.”
Director of education at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), Linda Prescott-Clements, said: “Vet Team in a Box is an incredibly exciting educational initiative. This practical project aims to increase engagement directly with young people, within schools, using the national curriculum as a template.
“Just as importantly, this resource also offers support, information and guidance for the teachers advising these young people and draws attention to some of the historical assumptions and bias which may be dissuading them from considering joining the professions, and which may have an impact on applications from underrepresented groups.”
