CIEH responds to Government announcement on apprenticeships

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a ‘clearer path into apprenticeships’ but reiterated its calls for more resources for environmental health teams to recruit and train the next generation of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs).

To mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week (February 9-15), the Government has announced that it intends to pilot a university clearance-style system for apprenticeships, as well as launching an online platform bringing together information on apprenticeships in one place for young people.

Responding to the announcement, CIEH President Mark Elliott said:

“We welcome the Government's initiative to increase the visibility of apprenticeships for young people. Increasingly, young people are seeking careers that are varied, meaningful, and socially impactful, and many of our current apprentices speak highly of the opportunities and purpose that a career in environmental health offers.

“However, greater visibility alone will not address the acute resource pressures facing environmental health teams. Our members consistently tell us that the biggest barrier is not a lack of interest from potential apprentices, but a lack of capacity within teams to recruit, train, and support the next generation of Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs).

“We also remain concerned by the ongoing absence of Level 5 apprenticeships in food and housing - both critical areas where additional workforce capacity is badly needed to ensure adequate public protection.

“CIEH therefore reiterates its call for sufficient and sustained funding for environmental health teams across the country. Investment is urgently needed both to address current workforce challenges and to ensure that young people entering apprenticeships are supported in roles that directly bolster the delivery of vital food and housing inspections.”

Find out more about environmental health apprenticeships here: https://www.cieh.org/professional-development/apprenticeships/