Veterinary teams from Bayer and the RVC were on hand to deliver an action-packed day educating students on the various career options open to them through studying science and most importantly, the vital roles they could play in the future through learning how to protect animals, as well as benefit humans.

Careers with Animals 2020

The lucky children in attendance got to become vets for the day in their gowns and stethoscopes and had the opportunity to learn how veterinary surgeons examine x rays and skeletons, measure the heart rate of animals with the help of Casper the CPR dog, bandage up toy animals and even explore plastinated specimens and parasites.

In addition to this, Monty the therapy dog also joined the workshop to say hello to the children and help demonstrate how vets examine dogs in practice, as well as educate on the fundable aspects of keeping dog’s healthy.

Helping to host the event, Hannah Lloyd, Veterinary Scientific Liaison for Bayer Animal Health commented: “Having qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the RVC in 2012, this is such a rewarding opportunity for me on both a personal and professional level. Working with animals has allowed me to pursue a wonderful career path to date and therefore, now having the ability to give young people the chance to learn more about the possibilities of science and working with animals is a real pleasure. This workshop will help open the minds of students by giving them great insight which will hopefully, help them to make more confident career decisions at a later date”.

Kate Oliver, Outreach Development manager at the Royal Veterinary College said: “We are delighted to be working with Bayer to help young people explore their options and develop new ideas for animal-related careers. Our fantastic Student Ambassadors will be supporting young people to find out about real veterinary work and study, reflect on their own interests, learn new skills and get inspired.”

Bayer opened its first UK Baylab in Reading three years ago to help encourage more young people to learn about the opportunities STEM and science can bring. By the end of 2020, the Baylab will have at least seen over 7,500 students and 1,250 teachers through its doors, engaged an estimated 75,000 students through its resources and increased the levels of inspiration towards science consistently via their delivery of over 300 workshops.

The RVC work with over 30,000 young people per year as part of their Widening Participation programmes, supporting learners from under-represented groups to develop their animal interests, studies and careers. Find out more at http://www.rvc.ac.uk/study/

To find out more information about the BayLab please visit http://www.bayer.co.uk/en/baylab