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- Tasks: Investigate animal diseases and conduct inspections to ensure health and welfare standards.
- Company: Join APHA, a leader in veterinary public health with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, mentorship, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your veterinary career while making a real difference in animal health.
- Qualifications: Must have a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and be a member of the RCVS.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and hands-on experience in various settings.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
The APHA Veterinary Graduate Programme offers newly qualified vets to begin their careers in a supportive environment focused on veterinary public health. As part of the programme you will be employed as a Veterinary Inspector, following a twelve‑month syllabus designed to build confidence, capability and professional judgement.
Responsibilities
- Investigating animal diseases in farm livestock – undertaking on‑farm and field investigations
- Examining and inspecting farmed animals to support differential diagnosis of disease
- Conducting post‑mortem examinations and collecting samples for laboratory testing when appropriate
- Collecting and evaluating history and relevant data to support decisions
- Collating and reporting findings and making recommendations
- Welfare investigations, both reactive and surveillance work
- Inspection, approval and audit of a range of premises
- Responding to incidents and outbreaks of animal notifiable diseases
- Ensuring compliance, with statutory standards, of animal health and welfare
- Travelling throughout the week and, occasionally, working from other locations with possible overnight stays.
Development & Training
- Participate at a central induction event for onboarding activities, meeting your new graduate cohort
- Complete your RCVS Vet GDP portfolio using relevant Entrustable Professional Activities aligned to APHA work areas, supported by your Vet GDP Advisor
- Attend regular (approximately monthly) visits to different APHA facilities across GB, including two one‑week blocks at either an APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre or Scotland’s Rural College
- Participate in contextualised communication and other soft‑skill training
All successful candidates receive an extensive programme of training and support as part of their induction into working with APHA.
Person Specification
- Able to communicate messages to different audiences, using language appropriate to the situation concerned
- Demonstrated experience of working effectively with others
- Prioritise based on urgency and adapt to new situations flexibly
- Produce accurate records and reports to communicate veterinary knowledge
- Understand importance of self‑audits and peer review processes to maintain or improve quality
- Have an interest in veterinary public health
Licences
A valid driving licence covering the UK, access to a vehicle with appropriate business use insurance.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Veterinary Science or equivalent, with the degree completed at a British or European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) approved Veterinary School in 2026 prior to commencing the role.
Memberships
A Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, with a status of ‘UK Practising’ at commencement of the role.
Veterinary Graduate Programme in Cardiff employer: Animal and Plant Health Agency
Contact Detail:
Animal and Plant Health Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Graduate Programme in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the APHA and understanding their values. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends. Confidence is key, so let your passion for veterinary public health shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or experiences that highlight your veterinary knowledge and teamwork abilities. We want to see how you can contribute to the APHA's mission right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in veterinary public health.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Graduate Programme in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Veterinary Graduate Programme. Highlight any relevant veterinary public health experience or teamwork examples to show us you’re a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about veterinary public health and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for this role. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in this role, make sure your application demonstrates your ability to convey messages clearly. Use appropriate language and structure to show us you can adapt your communication style to different audiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal and Plant Health Agency
✨Know Your Veterinary Stuff
Brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around public health and animal welfare. Be ready to discuss recent developments in the field and how they relate to the role of a Veterinary Inspector.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves communicating with various audiences, prepare examples of how you've effectively conveyed complex information in the past. Think about times when you adapted your language for different situations.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Flexibility
The job requires working with others and adapting to new situations. Share experiences where you collaborated successfully or had to pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think through potential situations you might face as a Veterinary Inspector and how you would handle them, particularly regarding disease outbreaks or welfare investigations.