Northlands Veterinary Group’s school partnership fosters early veterinary careers amid workforce pressures

Northlands Veterinary Group’s collaboration with Corby Technical School highlights the importance of early work experience in securing the future of veterinary staffing in the UK, offering students practical insights and strengthening the profession’s pipeline.

Northlands Veterinary Group has been singled out by Corby Technical School for helping to open a route into animal health careers for local students, in a reminder that recruitment in veterinary medicine often starts long before graduation.

The Northamptonshire practice received Approved Partner of the Year from the school after eight years of supporting pupils interested in veterinary work. According to the practice, five students from Corby Technical School spent time with the team this year, gaining exposure to clinical work, client communication and the realities of practice life. Northlands also attends careers fairs and networking events to widen awareness of the profession.

The group, part of VetPartners, operates six sites across Northamptonshire, including a 24-hour veterinary hospital in Kettering. Its website says the business, established in 1992, provides services ranging from routine consultations to emergency care, while also supporting training opportunities for veterinary nurses and other staff.

Julie Walker, Northlands’ HR manager, said the school partnership matters because practical experience is increasingly difficult for students to secure. She added that placements help young people understand “what working in a veterinary practice is really like” and offer guidance on subject choices and university applications.

For practices facing ongoing workforce pressures, the approach has a broader value: early engagement can strengthen the future talent pipeline while giving pupils a clearer view of the demands and rewards of the profession.

Image Source: Northlands Veterinary Group