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VCA Graduate Training Scheme

Graduate selection process

Closing Date and Sift

Once the closing date is reached all of the applications received by VCA will be included in the sift, which normally takes place within 7 days after the closing date.  The sift is the process whereby, only those applicants who appear from the information available to be the most suitable, are considered for interview and subsequent appointment. In parallel, at this stage, applicants will also be asked to complete a verbal/numerical test. 

Letters are sent to all applicants, usually within 3 days following the sift, advising whether or not they are to be invited to the assessment day.

More general information can be found on: The Applicants Guide to Recruitment (PDF 544.9KB)

Assessment Day

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment day at VCA Midlands Centre.  This assessment day will assess various qualities either individually or in a group and will involve technical tasks including a practical exercise.  It will also include a 45 minute interview with 3 members of VCA management.

There will be a chance to ask questions to recent graduates and to see more of VCA and how we work.

Results

We will aim to write to you within a week of the interviews with the outcome of your interview. If you are successful, a complete enquiry into your eligibility will be made.

Equal Opportunities and Disability

VCA will judge candidates on the basis of their ability, qualifications and fitness to work.  Candidates will not be disadvantaged because of their sex, marital status, gender preference, race. Ethnic or national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, working pattern.

VCA actively encourages applications from people with disabilities and we use the Guaranteed Interview Scheme to ensure we interview disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the post. The disability Discrimination Act 1995 defined a disabled person as someone who has: “A physical or mental impairment which has substantial and long term adverse effect on the individuals ability to carry out normal day to day activities.”

Data Protection

In accordance with the Data Protection Act, VCA will use the information given for the purposes of recruitment and selection. If you become an employee of VCA, the information will be used for the purpose of personnel administration, including pay and pensions.  It will only be disclosed outside of VCA to parties who are under contract to process data in these areas.