Given the current economic climate and the general feeling that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better, many people will be looking at re-training and how to go about it.

I thought it would be a good idea to look into areas where employment is still available and how you go about re-training.

One area, where in recent years, the demand has outstripped the supply of good quality, qualified employees in Veterinary Nursing.  For people who have a keen interest in animals, have good communication skills and are not squeamish, this may be the job for you but how to go about getting the training.

Firstly, you do need to train and gain the appropriate qualifications.  If you are hoping to get by with existing degrees or NVQ’s in other, or even similar areas you need to check with BVNA to see if they suitable.

The lower age limit for student veterinary nurses – previously set at 17 – has been removed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, in order to comply with age discrimination legislation.

The entry requirements remain unchanged: five GSCEs at grade C or higher, or five Scottish Standards at grades one to three (including English Language, Maths and a Science subject).

Candidates must also have a place with an RCVS-approved Training Practice or on a recognised veterinary nursing degree course.

Follow this link for full information on the training and how to go about it from The British Veterinary Nursing Association Ltd who are a great source of information.

http://www.bvna.org.uk/smartweb/become-a-vn-and-svns/overview

You can study for a Veterinary Nursing Degree and this will lead to part qualification towards a Veterinary Surgeon qualification for those who what to go further.

Other useful websites:

http://www.rcvs.org.uk
http://www.warkscol.ac.uk
http://www.myerscough.ac.uk
http://www.sparsholt.ac.uk
http://www.bridgwater.ac.uk
http://www.askham-bryan.ac.uk
http://www.cant-col.ac.uk
http://www.hadlow.ac.uk
http://www.hartpury.ac.uk
http://www.medev.ac.uk
http://www.moulton.ac.uk

Here at Land-Force we recently took the decision to employ a new member of staff and although we operate a jobs website we decided that we should spread our advertising over as wide an audience as possible.  With this in mind we advertised in a local publication and an area publication and placed an advert on our own website.  Now whilst I’m not known for blowing my own trumpet, I felt that a good crop of candidates would flood in.  Sadly, very little came from either of the publications and the flood came via our own website.  Having interviewed and made our selection we would like to introduce Jason Evans as our new Commercial Manager.  Those of you who have worked or attended Pershore College will be familiar with Jason as he was a student there.  Anyone wishing to get in touch with Jason can email on jason@land-force.com at any time.  I hope you will all join me in wishing Jason well.

In a joint experiment to highlight potential problems during Identity Fraud Prevention Week, the Police and the Information Assurance Advisory Council (IAAC) set up a bogus website asking people to submit their CV’s for a job vacancy.

Following this experiment they were able to highlight the most useful pieces of information that criminals can use.

Please be assured that Land-Force keeps all personal contact details, including names hidden from view until such time as an employer expresses an interest in them as an employee and needs to contact them with regard to discussions for interviews etc.  The two pieces of information which are currently displayed  for general viewing by Land-Force will be removed as soon as is possible.

We take the protection of our jobseekers personal information very seriously and take all necessary steps to insure that this information is not used fraudulently.

 To view the full report from the BBC, follow this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7680091.stm

I thought for this week I would perhaps put forward some advise for recruiting new team members.   I have had a number of calls recently from employers who have recruited, but ended up with the wrong person.

Here are some suggestions on how to increase your chances of recruiting the right person.

Have an accurate idea of who you are looking for and what you expect them to do.  Write your list down to act as a base for your job description.

• Job Title.  Look for a job title that accurately reflects the bulk of the duties involved.
• Job Description.  This should include the Job Title, the person they will report to, the locaton, a summary of the general duties and objectives.
• Specific requirements.  This should include a list of skills that are essential and a separate list of those which are desirable.  Write as if you are speaking and explaining to an individual, this will draw the candidates in.  Be clear about the level of qualification and experience you require.  This will discourage those who are currently applying for absolutely every job they see.
• Managers.  If you are looking for a Manager, clearing identify the level of responsibility they will be expected to carry.  Remember you are looking for someone who can demonstrate leadership and strategy to move your company forward.
• Directors.  When looking to appoint new Senior Executives and Directors, you are looking for someone who can demonstrate a real passion for your company and business and who has taken the time to research your company and already has some ideas to put forward.
• Clearly indicate what you are offering the candidate in return for their skills and experience, any vehicles, bonuses, Private Medical Insurance etc.  Salaries can always be negotiate once you have found the right person for you. 

Choose the right place for your advertisement, the internet is much faster and now used as the first choice by the majority of the 20 – 35 age group, and now the over 35 age group are also logging on and surfing the net for their new jobs.

www.land-force.com can offer a targeted site for any job in the land-based sector as set out by Lantra.  Categories include:  Agriculture, Horitculture, Landscaping, Animal Care including Veterinary Nurses, Forestry, Aquaculture, Sales/Admin, Grounds Maintenance/Amenities Fencing, Agricultural Engineering, Senior Appointments and Bio Energy.

We are happy to answer any questions related to Recruitment, so call on 0870 770 1107 if your get stuck.