From volunteering to veterinary nursing, ASDAN champion Poppy makes leaps towards her future career

Meet Poppy, our ASDAN champion 

Our latest ASDAN champion is Poppy from Long Stratton High School, who has been completing ASDAN's Bronze, Silver and Gold Personal Development Programme (PDP). Through her ASDAN volunteering project, Poppy has taken her learning beyond the classroom, connecting with organisations in her local community and gaining first-hand experience across different animal-care settings. 

These opportunities have enabled Poppy to put skills into practice in real environments, developing her communication, organisation and time-management while becoming increasingly confident about her future. What began as an opportunity to gain experience through volunteering has helped Poppy develop a clear ambition to pursue a career in veterinary nursing. 

At ASDAN, we are proud to celebrate learners who use their experiences to develop new skills, grow in confidence and take meaningful steps towards their futures. Through our ASDAN champions initiative, we recognise learners whose achievements demonstrate the impact of practical, skills-based learning. 

Turning an interest in animals into real-world experience 

Project-based learning has given Poppy the opportunity to apply the skills developed through ASDAN in meaningful, practical situations. Rather than simply learning about volunteering and employability in theory, she has been able to experience different workplaces, meet professionals and understand what working within animal care is really like. 

Poppy has volunteered at a local farm, Uplands Vets and The Dogs Trust. Her responsibilities have included feeding and watering animals, cleaning their living and working areas, walking and exercising animals and supporting their general care. 

Her experience at the veterinary practice was a particular highlight. Poppy was able to observe procedures and help the veterinary nurses care for animals, giving her valuable insight into the profession. These local connections have allowed Poppy to develop her skills in authentic working environments while exploring where her interests could take her in the future. 

Building confidence for the future 

Poppy's volunteering experiences have allowed her to explore different areas of animal care, helping her understand her own interests and strengths while becoming more confident when considering her post-16 options. By applying her learning through real experiences, she has developed not only knowledge of the sector but also the communication, organisation and independence needed to take her next steps. 

Most importantly, these experiences have confirmed just how much Poppy wants to become a veterinary nurse. She has now secured a place to study animal nursing at a local college and has already arranged a work experience placement with RSPCA as part of her course. 

Poppy's journey demonstrates how project-based learning can create connections between education, communities and future opportunities. By taking her learning beyond the classroom and putting her skills into practice, Poppy has transformed an interest in animal care into a clear pathway for her future. 

Everyone at ASDAN would like to congratulate Poppy on becoming an ASDAN champion and wish her every success as she begins the next stage of her journey towards becoming a veterinary nurse.

Nominate your ASDAN champion 

Do you know a learner who deserves to be recognised? 

We invite centres to nominate a learner who has demonstrated commitment, progress and achievement through their ASDAN course. Help us celebrate their success and share their story with the wider ASDAN community. 

Submit your ASDAN champion nomination and join us in recognising the remarkable achievements of learners across our network.