Evolution of a Veterinary Graduate Development Programme Utilising the 70:20:10 Workplace Education Model and Its...

The rapid evolution of the UK veterinary profession has prompted enhancements in graduate training to meet increasing clinical demands and support work-life balance, however there is very little research looking at the perceptions or impact of formally structured veterinary graduate development programmes. This article examines the evolution of the In-Practice Graduate Development Programme (IP-GDP) aligned with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon's (RCVS's) Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (RCVS-VetGDP) framework, which utilises the 70:20:10 workplace education model to blend experiential learning with structured education and mentorship for newly qualified veterinarians. This study takes a mixed-methods approach, analysing feedback and attrition data from the IP-GDP before (2019 to 2020) and after (2021 to 2023) its alignment with RCVS-VetGDP enhancements. Surveys from graduates and their mentors as well as human resources records provided insights into the subjective experiences of graduates and objective retention rates within the programme. Results indicate that graduates from the post-RCVS-VetGDP cohorts felt well-prepared for clinical practice and reported positive experiences with mentorship and structured learning components. Although mentors generally supported the programme, they suggested needing more time to effectively support graduates in their development. Although initial improvements in retention were noted, no significant differences in overall attrition rates were observed between the cohorts. The redesigned IP-GDP highlights the need for structured, supportive training frameworks in veterinary education, effectively integrating clinical experience with professional development. The initial findings are promising; however, continuous evaluation and further longitudinal research are essential to understand the long-term impact of these interventions on retention and satisfaction among veterinary graduates.