This year the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are launching their first Veterinary Graduate Programme, marking an exciting new step in how we attract, develop and retain the next generation of veterinary professionals.
From our engagement with veterinary audiences, including at events like the London Vet Show, as well as initiatives such as EMS placement offerings and our APHA university ambassadors, we have been thrilled to see newly qualified vets increasingly showing an interest in veterinary public health immediately after graduation.
The Veterinary Graduate Programme creates a dedicated and supportive route into APHA, harnessing this enthusiasm and providing a clear pathway for veterinary graduates who want to make a difference in safeguarding animal health.
From September 2026, up to five successful applicants will join APHA as Veterinary Inspectors in one of five locations across Great Britain. They will follow a twelve-month tailored syllabus to build hands-on experience in different work areas, developing the skills and confidence required to progress and become a Senior Veterinary Inspector.
For new graduates, we know that a key factor when considering their first role is the level of support they will receive. Throughout the programme, the inspectors will be supported by their local team including their dedicated VetGDP Adviser and line manager, as well as APHA’s central Capability Development Team who oversee the programme and will host regular check-ins with the cohort.
The programme will begin with an induction period; familiarising the inspectors with APHA, our mission, strategy and essential systems and processes. From there they will develop core technical knowledge and practical skills that form the foundation of their role, as well as building essential soft skills, including communication and professional judgement. As the inspectors develop their skills and confidence, they will apply these through an increasing variety and complexity of field inspection work and build capability across key areas, including animal welfare, endemic and exotic diseases, and region-specific inspection activities. This will fully support the development of identified Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) as part of the RCVS Veterinary Graduate Development Programme, enabling graduates to complete their VetGDP portfolio.
Applications for this year’s Veterinary Graduate Programme are currently open to 2026 graduates. The deadline for applications is 20 April. Please see APHA Veterinary Graduate Programme - Civil Service Jobs - GOV.UK for more information, or contact vetgraduateprogramme@apha.gov.uk.
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