National Apprenticeships Week

CIEH and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute are excited to promote the Environmental Health profession during National Apprenticeship Week.

Apprenticeships are a great way to reinforce the growth of an employer’s environmental health resources and team – not only do they bring in new talent, but they are a great way for employers in England to support their existing workforce. Apprenticeships are not only a significant resource for employers but are also a great way for employers in England to develop and reward their existing workforce. learn and earn at the same time. The Environmental Health Practitioner BSc Apprenticeship was developed as part of a solution to the workforce flow issue.

Last year, CIEH’s workforce survey found that local authority employers face difficulties in the recruitment of qualified and experienced Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs). With this in mind, CIEH put together a toolkit of resources in England to help employers set up their apprenticeships. The toolkit was made with the assistance of environmental health team leaders, managers, course providers and heads of service. It includes an employer’s guide, candidate pack, job advert template and an employer’s checklist.

Apprenticeships can be cost-effective for employers with incentives such as the apprenticeship levy and can help determine the strengths and weaknesses of a future practitioner.

Dr Phil James, CIEH Chief Executive, said:

“CIEH has been working hard with employers to promote and implement apprenticeships. Recruitment can be difficult, but apprenticeships are a win-win for both employer and apprentice, which is why more apprenticeship posts are vital to train the next generation of EHPs.

This is an important week to highlight the opportunities for both employers and potential apprentices. CIEH’s resources are there to simplify the process as well as give employers first-hand tops and the benefit of the experience of others, who have already gone through the process.”

Phil Owen, Service Director Profession Relationships at CTSI, said:

"CTSI was very much involved in the development of this apprenticeship which also enabled the standard of the RCO to be aligned with Level 1 of CTSI's Professional Competency Framework (CPCF). This means that an apprentice who achieves the RCO apprenticeship can apply for an exemption against Level 1 of CPCF. The plan is to do something similar with the proposed Trading Standards Practitioner L6 apprenticeship, for example, to deliver a credit against the higher levels of CPCF.

"Through supporting relevant apprenticeship schemes and highlighting Government initiatives such as the Kickstart scheme and Job Entry Targeted Support Scheme, CTSI encourages local authorities to employ apprentices and new starters from across all communities to ensure the much-needed diversity and sustainability of our profession going forward."

ENDS