By Hollie Carr 

A Weymouth vets has welcomed students to experience an insight into the world of veterinary practice.

Dave Cumber Vets opened its door to the next generation of vets, giving several students a chance to observe practice and handle pets under supervision and consultations whilst offering help with minor operations and after care.

Madeline Bell, one of the participants said: “I am a first-year student studying veterinary science at Bristol University and I have been doing my EMS (work experience) at Dave Cumber Vets. Over the two weeks that I was at the surgery in Weymouth I have had the opportunity to experience routine procedures such as spays and castrations as well as more advanced orthopaedic surgery.”

Hands on experiences like these are vital to introduce young people to professions that they would like to be a part of in the future. Allowing them first hand research into something they are passionate about and the chance to learn on the job, gaining skills and knowledge that they may not find anywhere else.

With a veterinary science course lasting about 5-6 years, work experience is the perfect chance to explore career options and allows students to get a foot on the professional ladder. This type of opportunity is great as you wouldn’t learn veterinary skills, dealing with the wellbeing of animals better than at the place of its practice.

Practice Manager, Malcolm Cumber said: “We like to support and encourage more young people to think of veterinary care as a career. We think it is really important to get the views of younger people. A lot of the work experience in this industry only gives students a slice and rarely lets them do anything practical. We show them everything and we like to make it as hands on as possible.”

He added: “We work with a wide variety of local schools and local people who are studying away from home. We have welcomed students from Budmouth Academy, Dorset Studio school, Kingston Maurward College, Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester and University students from Bristol, Nottingham and plus students from overseas.”