A Reaseheath College trained Veterinary Care Assistant has been awarded a prestigious City & Guilds Medal for Excellence for her outstanding portfolio and highly developed skills.
Katie Ford, 33, now works at the Alsager Vet Centre, part of The Willows Veterinary Group, where she completed her work placement as part of her course.
A former C&G Level 2 Diploma for Veterinary Care Assistants student at the Nantwich college, Katie was put forward for her award by Course Manager Kate-Marie Jeffs, who recognised her passion, commitment and potential.
Medals for Excellence are awarded to students who demonstrate highly developed skills, outstanding knowledge, versatility and adaptability while studying on City & Guilds courses. Just 85 medals have been awarded world-wide this year. Katie was also nominated for a Lion Award, given to a handful of the most talented medal winners.
While a student, Katie studied for two days a week at Reaseheath’s Animal Centre and spent a further two days a week on work placement at Alsager Vet Centre. The practice had no hesitation in offering her a full time job when she had completed her Level 2 course. She is about to begin her Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing which will enable her to become a registered veterinary nurse.
Katie was presented with her medal by City & Guilds Business Manager Jonathan Bates at the practice. She said: “I am completely overwhelmed but delighted. It goes to show that hard work really does pays off!
“I thoroughly recommend the Level 2 course, it gives you a real insight into the industry and sets you up for a great career. I love learning and I get a lot of satisfaction from caring for the patients who come in with a wide variety of health issues.”
Katie has previously worked as a wildlife assistant at the RSPCA Centre at Stapeley Grange, Nantwich. Her current job involves preparing pets for surgery, assisting during operations and clinics and caring for inpatients. She also helps to advise owners on how to care for their pets.
Said Kate-Marie: “I am thrilled for Katie. This award is thoroughly deserved and is recognition of an outstanding student. She put her heart and soul into her assignments and was extremely dedicated during her work placement. I am confident that she will make an excellent vet nurse.”
Practice Manager Gillian White said: “The whole team is over the moon with this award. Katie is very hard working and diligent and always goes above and beyond the call of duty”.
Reaseheath College has a Specialist Centre of Veterinary Nursing which records a very high level of academic success. Its industry-trained staff work in partnership with over 60 veterinary practices within a 50 mile radius of the college’s Nantwich, Cheshire, campus.
