An apprenticeship is a paid job and training scheme in one, which allows you to work and study at the same time. As well as getting practical, hands-on experience, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours doing classroom-based learning, outside of the workplace. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will take a formal assessment to gain a qualification.
Apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete, depending on the course. They are available at different educational levels, from the age of 16 up to a master’s degree.
Green Apprenticeships
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (known as IfATE) develops and approves apprenticeships and technical qualifications in England. They have reviewed and identified a list of apprenticeships that support green careers, which includes Ecologist, Environmental Practitioner and Countryside Ranger.
Myth-busting
Apprenticeships and IEMA
The Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship and the Sustainable Business Specialist Masters Apprenticeship are approved by IEMA at one of IEMA’s approved universities. Apprentices will be entitled to free IEMA student membership for the duration of their studies, and on successful completion they are eligible for Practitioner membership without further assessment.
Searching for an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships are advertised in lots of different places, some of which are linked below, as well as on individual company websites.
Information for employers
Benefits of apprenticeships for employers
Both small and large organisations can benefit from taking on apprentices; you can either hire somebody new, or upskill a current employee.
- Government funding is available
- Train on skills that are specific to your business
- Brings fresh ideas into your business
- Supports an individual through their training and motivates them to work for your company longer term.
Apprenticeship levy in England
The apprenticeship levy was introduced to encourage more organisations to offer apprenticeships. The levy is a form of tax, paid by employers with a pay bill of over £3m to the government, and is used to fund apprenticeship training for all employers that meet certain criteria. The scheme only applies in England. Further information can be found here about the apprenticeship levy.
Regional information on Apprenticeship frameworks
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IEMA is the membership body for environment and sustainability professionals