Our community welcomes graduates into a supportive veterinary community, building skills through clinical and non-clinical modules while fostering collaboration, shared learning, and strong peer connections across the network
Graduate Development
Supporting the future generation of the veterinary industry
We support new graduates through tailored development programmes in equine, farm, and small animal practice. Through mentoring, hands-on training, and a vibrant peer network, our community helps young vets thrive, clinically, professionally, and personally.
Our programmes have been developed by members across the community to celebrate the science and art of being a first opinion practitioner. Supporting future generations to thrive in their careers in independent practice.
Equine Graduate Development Progamme
Includes, Pharmacology, Pathology, Reproduction, Lameness, Laminitis, Scanning, Radiographs, Nerve Blocking, Diagnostics and Decision-Making, Practical Dentistry, plus Driver Skills and BARTA.
Farm Graduate Development Programme
Includes, Beef and Post Mortems, Farm Survival Skills, Mastering Medicines, Calving Cows and Lameness, Surgery Basics, Fertility, Smallholders and Sheep, plus Driver Skills.
Small Animal Graduate Development Progamme
Includes, Professional Skills, Dermatology, Clinical Transition, Pharmacology, Quality Improvement, ECC and Euthanasia, plus Driver Skills and full day Practical Dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our XLVets Graduate Development Programmes, your gateway to a supportive and practical start into first opinion veterinary practice.
To join any of the XLVets Graduate Programmes, you must first apply for a role at one of its member practices. Once you receive a job offer, you’ll gain access to the XLVets community and be eligible to enrol in one of its graduate development programmes. Check here now to view a current list of vacancies https://www.xlvets.co.uk/vacancies.
No, we currently only run Small Animal, Equine and Farm programmes. However, we have known graduates to attend two programmes.
Yes, all the nights required in between modules are included. This is potentially 8 nights accommodation if you attend all six modules. If you need additional accommodation the night before or after a module, we can arrange this for you at an additional fee.
Yes. Each September, XLVets hosts a Graduate Get Together for new and completing graduates. This event offers opportunities to learn, share experiences, and build connections with peers. Graduates also benefit from external mentoring provided by experienced XLVets professionals. All of your evening meals are organised and paid for as part of the programme, to support you in building lasting relationships with your peers, alongside a WhatsApp Group. We also offer the Driver Skills half day, combining learning safe driving techniques to keep you safe on the road – as well as a fun half day activity.
A bespoke driving skills session including practical driving skills and a ‘skid pan experience’ to help you to:
Develop skid control and avoidance skills.
Benefit from one-to-one driving assessment and advice.
Receive training to improve awareness and develop a positive attitude and aptitude for driving at work and beyond.
Visa sponsorship depends on individual XLVets member practices, as each is independently owned. You’ll need to contact the practice directly to confirm their policy. https://www.xlvets.co.uk/member-practices.
Yes. XLVets offers Extra Mural Studies (EMS) placements across farm, equine, and small animal disciplines. Applications are managed centrally through the XLVets EMS portal at https://www.xlvets.co.uk/vet-ems.
Want to find out more?
Leave us a message by completing the form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.