CIEH join with CTSI and IoL to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is marking National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026) with Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and the Institute of Licensing (IoL).

Together, the three professional bodies are championing apprenticeships as a vital route into regulatory and enforcement careers. The week is also a chance to highlight the variety and inclusivity of these professions, and the shared commitment to serving and protecting communities.

Each profession offer a hugely varied and rewarding career open to people from all walks of life. Apprenticeships provide an accessible, flexible way to enter the profession, supporting people to learn and earn while developing the knowledge and skills needed to protect consumers and uphold fair trading.

Apprenticeships also play a vital role in reinforcing existing teams and bringing new talent into often-stretched services. By working jointly with CTSI and IoL, we are amplifying that message across the wider regulatory landscape — championing apprenticeships as a practical pathway into regulatory and enforcement roles.

From an employer perspective, apprenticeships can provide a cost-effective approach to workforce development, with incentives such as the apprenticeship levy, while helping employers invest in the future capability of their services.

Mark Elliott, CIEH President, said:

“We’re thrilled to join our colleagues at CTSI and IoL in marking National Apprenticeship Week, which is an important showcase for the diverse and rewarding career paths our sector offers. Apprenticeships continue to deliver huge benefits for both employers and learners, strengthening teams and opening doors to opportunity.

"At CIEH, we’re committed to working closely with employers to promote and support high‑quality apprenticeship routes. In recent years, these programmes have played a crucial role in boosting environmental health workforces during ongoing recruitment challenges and in nurturing exceptional new talent entering the profession.

"Apprenticeships bring fresh skills into organisations while providing apprentices with meaningful, supported pathways into impactful careers. We will continue championing the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities to help train and empower the next generation of Environmental Health Practitioners.”

John Herriman, Chief Executive at CTSI, said:

“Apprenticeships are key to the future success of the trading standards profession which has successfully created more flexible pathways to those who want an exciting career protecting consumers and ensuring fair markets. National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate apprentices joining the profession, and the members and employers who do incredible work to support them on their journey.

"At the Chartered Trading Standards Institute we are committed to shaping the future of the profession by welcoming apprentices into membership, providing a recognised route towards Chartered status, and offering mentoring that builds confidence, capability and ambition in the next generation of Trading Standards professionals.”

An apprenticeship in environmental health offers an alternative route towards becoming a competent and qualified Environmental Health Practitioner (EHP).

Further information on apprenticeships in environmental health can be found on the CIEH website at https://www.cieh.org/professional-development/apprenticeships/ 

CTSI has supported the development of Apprenticeship programmes – including the Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeship – to develop the skills and knowledge needed to forge a rich and rewarding career in trading standards. Further information on apprenticeships in Trading Standards can be found at https://www.tradingstandards.uk/practitioners/training-development/qualifications-resources/ 

The IoL supports the Regulatory Officer Apprenticeship and the provision of training and support to develop knowledge and skills for licensing practitioners. Further information can be found at https://instituteoflicensing.org/ or you can contact the team on [email protected]