We like to ensure all our colleagues have everything they need to settle into their new roles, and take pride in having a supportive onboarding plan for new recruits. Starting a job can be daunting, so our process is set up to alleviate some of this pressure, assisting our new starters through interactive inductions, continuous support and career development plans. Every employee is given a detailed introduction to working life at E&J, from our head office colleagues to those in field-based veterinary roles, with a chance to ask questions and get to know our experienced Talent & Development Team.

The induction involves learning about the company, understanding different job roles and their contribution to the business, as well as being assigned and briefed on work locations. We also provide required equipment for employees with guidance on how to use this, and assign company cars should a role require them.

We offer continued support to our field-based colleagues, pairing them with an onboarding partner who will guide them through their first few months with us. We also have Mental Health First Aiders across the company, who provide confidential assistance for employees experiencing any difficulties. This is all alongside support from line managers and more experienced colleagues, who will help with role-specific training and development, with 1-2-1s in place to discuss progress.

For many colleagues, joining us involves an even bigger life change, moving across the globe to start a new life in the UK. We help with visa sponsorship, accommodation, driving on the left side of the road and meeting new people, and try to make this transition as easy as possible for all our international colleagues. We also offer advice on passing English exams and RCVS registrations, to enable our colleagues to meet the requirements for becoming an Official Veterinarian in the UK.

Here’s a quote from one of our Official Veterinarians, Silvia Trobo Villa, who moved to the UK to join us:

“I’ve received a warm welcome in the UK, along with detailed training which would be amazing for any veterinarian. The learning procedures are very good and everyone has been really supportive. It’s a great place for international recruits to work as the information is detailed and the trainers speak slowly and clearly. Everyone is very helpful and make it easy to move to the UK and get settled with accommodation.”

As well as offering a comprehensive induction, we’re focused on careers from day one, with a variety of training and development opportunities to support personal and professional growth. Every employee gets access to both essential and optional courses, which our Learning & Development Team are adding to all the time, offering a range of pathways and progression options to suit a range of aspirations and career goals. We’re also there through every step of veterinary careers, from providing initial training to aiding with career advancement.

One of our Area Managers, Aleksandra Wazna, has progressed through a number of roles at E&J. She said:

“My managers supported me throughout my career, always letting me grow and expand my knowledge. Our Learning & Development Specialist, Heather, was by my side whenever I decided to change my role and within the process. I cannot thank my colleagues and my team enough for believing in me and motivating me to take the next steps. I believe we at E&J support each other and instead of cutting the wings, we help to grow them.”

To find out more about the opportunities we offer, visit our Join the Team page.