Trainee Small Animal Nurse

IVC Evidensia UK; Newbury; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Newbury is seeking a Trainee Veterinary Nurse to join their team. This role offers comprehensive training to achieve a qualification while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Ideal candidates will have a passion for animal care, relevant GCSEs, and a full UK driving licence. The position requires working 39 hours a week across three branches, with benefits including 6.6 weeks annual leave, enhanced family policies, and learning opportunities.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Cycle to work scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Pawsome Benefits - discounts with retailers

Pension scheme

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for animal care and welfare.
• Full UK driving licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the health and well-being of small animal patients.
• Gaining hands-on experience caring for a wide range of small animals.
• Working across three branches on a rota basis.

Skills

Compassion

Motivation

Enthusiasm

Experience working with animals

Education

GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science

Job description

Here at Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, we are looking for a dedicated and motivated individual to join the team as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse. We are a busy veterinary practice based in West Berkshire, and we are excited to expand our nursing team!

This role involves working on a rotating basis across our three branches in Newbury, Tadley, and Thatcham. You will receive comprehensive training to achieve a qualification in veterinary nursing; however, we are also keen to hear from veterinary nurses currently in training and registered with the RCVS.

You’ll be part of a passionate team of qualified registered nurses and veterinary surgeons, supporting the health and well‑being of our small animal patients. We are committed to both providing exceptional animal care and educating pet owners.

We have a large, supportive team of 14 Vets and 30 Nurses/Nursing Assistants, as well as a fantastic reception team. Within our team, we have certificate holders in Exotics, Surgery, Ophthalmology and Radiography.

Our RCVS Tier 3 Hospital in Newbury and nearby branches in Tadley and Thatcham are equipped with excellent facilities, including digital radiography, dental radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, and more.

More about you

This is a fantastic opportunity to train and qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse while working alongside our experienced team of vets and qualified nurses. You’ll gain hands‑on experience caring for a wide range of small animals, learning every aspect of the nursing role in a busy, supportive practice environment.

We will provide full training and mentoring throughout your studies, to help you achieve your formal veterinary nursing qualification.

Who We’re Looking For

• Enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated individuals
• A genuine passion for animal care and welfare
• Ideally, some experience working with animals
• GCSEs (Grade 4–9 / A–C) in Maths, English, and Science
• A full UK driving licence (essential)

Your shift pattern

This is a full‑time position, working 39 hours per week, including twilight and weekend shifts on a rota basis. You’ll work across our three branches — Newbury, Tadley, and Thatcham — gaining diverse experience and skills.

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday which will be added to your holiday allowance
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity / paternity / adoption / shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeingNon‑accidental injury support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
• Pension scheme
• Discounted staff pet care

Salary: Up to £24,847.60 DOE