XLVets Skillnet is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Best Graduate Development Initiative at the 2024 Excellence in Learning Awards for our XLVets Veterinary Graduate Programme.

Gay White, L&DI President, Mike Curran, Chief Executive, XLVets Ireland,
Denise Duggan, Network Manager, XLVets Skillnet, Kate Carr, Vet, Dunmore
and Glenamaddy Veterinary Clinics, Kieran O Mahony,
Practice Owner, Glen Veterinary 

Launched in 2017, the XLVets Veterinary Graduate Programme was Ireland’s first structured initiative designed specifically to support independent veterinary practices. Delivered over 15 months, this comprehensive programme offers recent veterinary graduates a blend of practical and theory-based learning, equipping them with the skills and confidence to navigate their first professional role successfully.

The Excellence in Learning Awards celebrates excellence, best practices, and innovation in Learning & Development and Training. We were up against a strong lineup of finalists in our category, including Bank of Ireland, the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport, Dawn Meats, Glenveagh Properties, Green Tech Skillnet, and Liberty. Winning this award underscores our commitment to advancing professional development within the veterinary sector and highlights the important role continuous learning plays in ensuring the future growth and sustainability of both the veterinary and farming sectors.

“We are thrilled to have won Best Graduate Development Initiative, this recognition is a testament to eight years of dedicated work creating a high-quality, structured learning pathway for veterinary graduates, both within XLVets and across independent veterinary practices”.
Denise Duggan, Network Manager, XLVets Skillnet

Mike Curran, Chief Executive, XLVets Ireland, Sacha Dekker, Excellence in Learning
Awards Judge, Kate Carr, Vet, Dunmore and Glenamaddy Veterinary Clinics,
Kieran O Mahony, Practice Owner, Glen Veterinary and Denise Duggan,
Network Manager, XLVets Skillnet

Judge Sacha Dekker praised XLVets Skillnet for our use of data analysis, social learning strategies, and AI integration:

“Huge shout out to XLVets Skillnet for winning the award. They impressed with their clear data analysis, the way they leverage social learning through coaching, mentoring, and peer-to-peer sessions, and their use of AI. In doing all this, they’ve made a significant impact on the attrition rate among new vets.”
Sacha Dekker, Excellence in Learning Awards Judge

Additionally, XLVets Skillnet was honored to be nominated as a finalist in the surprise category Best Sharing & Learning Community category, with the award going to Blas na hÉireann & Taste 4 Success Skillnet. The other finalists included;  ABP, An Post, and Chadwicks Group & McKernan Training.

We would like to extend our thanks to Skillnet Ireland for their invaluable contributions to our learning and development progress. As one of over 70+ Skillnet Ireland Learning Networks, we would also like to offer special congratulations to our fellow Skillnet networks who were finalists:

– Taste4Success Skillnet, finalist in the Best Coaching or Mentoring Initiative category
– Green Tech Skillnet, finalist in the Best Graduate Development Initiative category
– Skillnet Ireland and ICBE Skillnet, finalists in the Best L&D Collaboration category

XLVets Skillnet is proud of this achievement and we remain committed to advancing veterinary education and development in Ireland. Our next Veterinary Graduate Programme cohort begins on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, and is fully booked. For more details click learn more.