Conclusion

This work gives an instant overview of the situation in the different countries studied. Training policy is always a complex matter in any country. It is often impossible to compare training systems because as soon as it comes to details, there are too many distinctives from country to country for simple conclusions to be drawn. The emergence of occupations such as veterinary assistant and the training for these are the fruit of complicated processes, which often depend on several factors, particularly the organisation of the profession and veterinary teaching, relevant government and ministerial decisions, national regulations with respect to the practice of veterinary medicine and labour legislation.

However our FOCUS study shows some common factors which are worth emphasising.

It shows that the profession of veterinary assistant is largely made up of young women, which as a whole faces several challenges. There are efforts to be made, especially for training to become more adapted to professional needs. Assistants also clearly mentioned their need for ongoing professional training due to progress in veterinary medicine. Since assistants are largely very motivated and say that they are fulfilled in their job, it is good to give them career perspectives. Conditions vary from country to country according to resources available but inevitably there are issues related to pay, working hours and the possibility for the most highly qualified assistants to perform more specialised tasks recognising their expertise.

The creation of this data bank is the first step towards working together across Europe in order to rise to new challenges:

• Training: there are many differences from country to country and many needs are expressed.
• Professionalising training and consolidating skills due to the youth of the profession.
• Professional and social promotion for assistants giving them the career perspectives they aspire to.
• Finally, streamlining tasks undertaken by assistants (particularly when GDP makes this possible): cf. some countries where assistants are used for relatively unskilled tasks compared to other countries with greater task delegation.

It will no doubt become easier as time progresses to set professional norms. Globalisation and the coming together of Europe will provide solutions to this concern. But above all, we are going to develop this centre so that all our European partners can play an active role. Our centre is the starting point for future harmonisation and recognition.

Dr Bruno Pelletier

Project promoter