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Apprenticeship training course

Vet technician (livestock) (level 5)

There are 8 training providers who offer this course. Check if a training provider can deliver this training in the apprentice's work location.

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Information about Vet technician (livestock) (level 5)

Carry out common husbandry and technical tasks for livestock.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • The appropriate level of professional conduct for Vet Technicians and the expectations of the vet practice.
  • The scope of the business environment in which the vet practice operates and the need to meet ethical and legal responsibilities.
  • The principles of infection control in livestock to control the spread of infection/ diseases. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), efficient hand washing techniques, the importance of biosecurity and the role of disinfection and sterilisation, particularly when working on multiple sites.
  • The complexities of different agricultural environments and how this affects animal health and welfare.
  • The principles and practices of handling unpredictable livestock in a safe manner and in line with Manual Handling Operations Regulations.
  • Dynamic risk assessment processes and lone worker protocols for different environments and livestock. How risk assessments can be applied to reduce the stress and risk of injury to self and different types of livestock.
  • Principles of collecting data to form reports to meet regulatory requirements of medicine legislation.
  • Principles and scope of vet led protocols for the administration of vaccinations and the antibody reaction, Principles, protocols and use of veterinary medicines in livestock treatments, including how to administer them: injection, oral bolus, topical application.
  • How to use a range of information and data to identify potential health and welfare issues and the preventative or reactive measures that could be applied.
  • The safe use of veterinary medicines and COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) essentials for farmers.
  • Diseases (zoonoses) caused by micro-organisms, which are subject to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).
  • Communication strategies to develop effective working relationships and engage clients and practice colleagues.
  • Husbandry procedures such as disbudding, foot trimming, non-surgical castration and tail docking, mobility assessment and growth monitoring.
  • Strategies to ensure health and welfare of livestock and cost- effective preventative approaches.
  • How to report concerns with livestock and/ or human welfare.
  • Protocols for handling livestock during Vet Tech procedures.
  • How collaboration with outside organisations can enhance animal health and welfare. E.g. Agricultural and Horticultural development board (AHDB).
  • Evaluation methods including the use of software to measure the impact of treatments. The use of this information to inform future strategies across other locations/ environments.
  • Evaluating breeding values and methods of genetic improvements for health and productivity.
  • Social responsibility to function sustainably and minimise waste.
  • Livestock weighing and how to carry out body condition scoring to national guidelines.
  • The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and vet led protocols and procedures when using blood sampling for diagnosis.
  • The requirement to maintain client confidentiality and obligations under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations).

Skills

  • Plan and carry out dynamic risk assessments taking account of lone worker protocols and varying environments/ livestock. Develop courses of action to minimise risk.
  • Manage data collection for health plans and reports.
  • Analyse, interpret, and evaluate data using appropriate software, to inform diagnosis/ recommendations for preventative treatment.
  • Collaborate with agricultural staff to obtain information impacting on livestock health (e.g. feed rations).
  • Administer appropriate veterinary medicines, as set out within a vet led protocol, to treat livestock, such as by injection, oral bolus or topical application.
  • Identify environmental factors that can have a positive and/or negative effect on animal health and welfare.
  • Plan and carry out livestock assessment, such as mobility assessment, weighing or body condition scoring.
  • Identify when samples are required for parasite identification. Collect relevant samples in accordance with protocols and lab procedures.
  • Complete disbudding/ horn removal of livestock.
  • Support the Vet in practice to carry out blood sampling for disease or health analysis/diagnosis. Complete documentation for further lab analysis and to ensure traceability.
  • Build rapport with clients whilst managing client expectations and competing priorities.
  • Manage own workload, balancing cost and efficiency with livestock health and welfare priorities.
  • Use equipment, such as livestock crush and raise systems for safe handling and pharmaceutical equipment and products, in line with operating procedures and manufacturers guidelines.
  • Monitor and manage requirements for equipment maintenance and repair.
  • Identify, use and dispose of correct PPE appropriate to the task.
  • Identify biosecurity risks and mitigate against them.
  • Maintain client confidentiality in line with practice requirements and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations).

Behaviours

  • Builds and maintains relationships with customers, colleagues, and suppliers.
  • Maintains ethical standards.
  • Takes responsibility for planning and developing courses of action.
  • Undertakes career professional development to maintain technical knowledge.
  • Acts professionally and adapts style and method of communication to the circumstances and needs of individuals.
  • Adheres to the requirements of health and safety legislation.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Agriculture, environmental and animal care
Qualification level
5
Equal to higher national diploma (HND)
Course duration
24 months
Maximum funding
£13,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Embryo transfer technician
  • Vet tech
  • Vet tech cso (certification support officer)
  • Vet tech mobility scorer/ foot trimmer
  • Vet tech paraprofessional
  • Vet tech/ att (approved tuberculin tester)
  • Vet technician manager

View more information about Vet technician (livestock) (level 5) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.