Is there a place for mature students?

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Deanna Hartley — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 11:37:02 GMT

im 47 and currently in year 2 of my training. After many years working desk jobs, about 3 years ago I emailed all the local practices asking if I could volunteer one day a week. One practice replied, after 6months they offered me part time ANA position. A year later they offered me a SVN contract. Keep trying Hannah, maybe look for volunteer opportunities first and see where they lead.

There is also the degree route as an alternative.

good luck

Deanna

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

j w — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 22:46:02 GMT

Just gone on the trainee rota at work myself and in the que of other trainees waiting for a chance at college. i'm 38. my work seemed very approachable despite my age.

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Keely Young — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 20:19:43 GMT

Hi Hannah,

I'm 27 and started studying veterinary nursing in 2014 after starting a career in research and the change in career is the best thing I ever did. I've funded the vet nursing course via a 24+ loan (which luckily I was able to apply for) and I'm due to take my final practical exams in December.

I had a lot of work experience previously (I also applied for vet school many moons ago!) including lambing and sheep husbandry, cattle, veterinary practices, kennels, stables etc etc but I've never had a paid job within a vet practice prior to this. When I made the decision to change career direction, I downloaded the RCVS list of training practices in my area (and a little further afield - I'm Manchester, but was willing to go as far as Hull, Doncaster etc in order to find a training placement) and wrote to everyone on the list with a CV. I've been really lucky - a local practice offered me a placement and employment and it's a lovely place to work too.

The majority of my peers at college are of similar age and older (approx 25 - 35) and have all had a previous career or qualifications before embarking on vet nursing so it definitely can be done!

Get lots of experience where you can and be proactive - start getting in touch with local practices and putting your name out there :)

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Hannah W — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 19:49:29 GMT

They were the first people I contacted but unfortunately they can't help unless I'm employed by a veterinary practice already. Bit of a catch 22 situation it seems. Can't get training without a job, can't get a job without experience/training!

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Nicola Smith — Sun, 23 Oct 2016 10:53:04 GMT

Contact bottle green training. They are your area and have lots of mature students

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

KizzieB — Sat, 22 Oct 2016 11:24:48 GMT

Absolutely Hannah yes!! There is a place for mature students!! In your thirties you are more employable. You know how life works. You will have a better approach to all the client contact aspects as you've done all that before (just with people )It's about finding the right practice. Go for it and don't give up!!

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Hannah W — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 23:17:23 GMT

Thanks guys I'll check them out!!! Sadly I'm on the Nottingham/Derby border but hopefully they'll be able to point me in the right direction :)

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Jo Hinde — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 23:13:32 GMT

[quote user="annaschu"]

Can I suggest you contact a different training provider for advice? MYF Training in Hampshire where I used to teach had many older (and at 36 you barely count!) students and they were often more employable than the youngsters - don't, whatever you do, become disheartened - there are wonderful organisations, both practices and colleges who will support you and welcome you!

[/quote]

a big yes vote from me for myf too! Amazing place, so supportive and top notch teaching :)

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

jojofruits — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 18:40:48 GMT

yes yes yes yes YES! :-) !!!!

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Stacey Tune — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 17:57:51 GMT

Hi Hannah,

I myself worked in retail for 10 years and decided to change careers. I was 27 when i applied to college to train to be a nurse. I thought they would think i was kidding myself but they were very supportive of older students. As far as placements went i found that being older was a definite advantage, we already have life experience which employers like. There is also another student in my practice that is in her early 40's.

I am now in my second year and loving making the change. I would highly recommend it to you.

Hope this helps you make the leap.

Stacey

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

annaschu — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 17:00:54 GMT

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Jo Hinde — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 12:52:24 GMT

I echo what others have said - a mature outlook on life can be a great, calming influence in practice! Defo go for it and get as much work experience as you can. speak to your local vets and ask if you can spend some time with them as this can often lead to placement offers. Also contact your local colleges that provide the vet nurse course and ask them for more info. Some can help with finding you a placement too. Good luck!

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Celine — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 08:35:43 GMT

Personally I think a practice is more likely to employ a grounded 36 year old than a potentially flighty 18 year old, possibly just the way I would swing but I'm an old cynic and have seen too many dramas about bestfriendsleepingwithboyfriend/saidcarwon'tstartbutactuallyhungover/hesaidshesaid/someonelookedatmefunny that have impacted on / been brought into the workplace and I'd be relieved to have someone who is hopefully over that kind of hysteria. Go for it!

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

SharonSP — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 22:24:38 GMT

Definitely get as much work experience as you can, competition for places is high and your CV needs to stand out from the rest

Here's a link to the College of Animal Welfare courses (advanced apprenticeship =find your own employed position approx £2000 per year or Diploma student = they find placement for you but it costs about £6000 per year) checkout other course providers too to see what options there are. Don't let age put you off, it's a tough course but if your determined enough, it can be achieved.....good luck

http://www.caw.ac.uk/course/level-3-diploma-in-veterinary-nursing

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Hannah W — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:44:47 GMT

Thanks guys, that gives me hope!

I'd be interested to know how you did it? Did you just approach practices and ask if they had any positions vacant? I'm happy to self-fund any training if that's what it takes, but the problem is getting a job in a practice in the first place with no real experience.</p>

<p>I'm hoping to do some work experience in a local practice in the next few weeks so that will be something to add to the old CV!</p>

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:27:37 GMT

Heck yes, otherwise I'd never have become an RVN!! Maturity (life experience) positively adds to the role, in my experience.

I am now 53 and qualified in 2011...

#there'slifeinthisoldmuttyet

Hahah!!

Go for it, if it is what you want to do!

hth

Ali h

RE: Is there a place for mature students?

therainyj — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:12:53 GMT

Hey Hannah,

My colleague is 55 years old and just qualified, she started her training 5 years ago. She did have to fund it herself but otherwise had no problems finding a practice who would take her, and passed with flying colours.

Hope this helps!

-therainyj