Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Apprenticeship
As CR&S becomes an essential part of core business operations – via legislation, consumer pressure or social consciousness – developing a diverse pipeline of talent with that expertise is critical.
The CRS Practitioner (Level 4)
The CRS Practitioner (Level 4) was developed by a 'Trailblazer' group of employers to widen access and create pathways into Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability. The apprenticeship will typically last for three years for new entrants to the profession and focuses on the development of key competences, knowledge, skills and behaviours
that are essential to sustainability roles, regardless of the sector.
The Trailblazer Group for the CRS Apprenticeship is made up of representatives from organizations including: Weil, Heart of the City, JP Morgan, Linklaters, Royal London, FTI, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Salesforce, QBL Consulting, ISG Plc, Fujitsu, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), HS2, Sainsbury's, Legal & General, NG Bailey, Institute for Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (ICRS)
CRS Apprenticeship Review 2023
The ICRS recently published research on the impact of CRS Apprenticeship. This research provides fascinating insights into the experiences of the first cohort of apprentices. It outlines
- the benefits that apprentices bring to their employers;
- contains detailed case studies that capture the views of apprentices and their employers on both the strengths of the current approach and what needs to improve;
- and concludes with practical advice on how employers can create an inclusive culture that maximises the benefits of the apprenticeship for all parties.
What are Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are vocational training that combines work-based training with an element of learning delivered by a training provider, and can be used to support new starters or existing staff interested in upskilling.
Apprentices spend most of their time in the workplace with some 'off the job' training representing 20% of their time.
Who is eligible to apply to become a CRS Apprentice?
Anyone 16 and over, who has at least a level 2 in English and maths (equivalent to GCSE A-C), or who can attain this by the end of their apprenticeship. Although the main objective of any apprenticeship is to create entry-level opportunities for young people and those long-term unemployed, the CRS Apprenticeship (like other pathways) is also open to existing employees (of all levels of seniority) who may wish to transfer into a CRS role within their organization.
How is a CRS Apprentice assessed?
The End-Point Assessment consists of two methods i) Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence ii) Work-based project followed by a report and presentation. The Assessment is undertaken by an independent assessor, provided by the Apprenticeship End-Point Assessment Organization. This means you can be assured the apprentice is fully competent when they pass.
How can I get involved as an Employer ?
There are several steps to taking on an apprentice.
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Choose an apprenticeship for your business or organisation.
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Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship you’ve chosen.
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Check what training funding you can get.
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Create an account - you need this to manage funding and recruit apprentices.
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Advertise your apprenticeship - find out how to create an advert or give your training provider permission to do this for you.
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Make an apprenticeship agreement and training plan with your chosen apprentice.
How can I get involved as an Apprentice?
As with most apprenticeships, you need to apply. You can browse through green apprenticeships training providers using the link below.
The main objective of any apprenticeship is to create entry-level opportunities for young people and those long-term unemployed, the CRS Apprenticeship (like other pathways) is also open to existing employees (of all levels of seniority) who may wish to transfer into a CRS role within their organization.
In addition to the apprenticeship, apprentices will benefit from free membership of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS) while studying.
Training providers for Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner(Level 4)
Resources
- Watch the recording of The Sustainable50 launch event here (Feb 2021)
- Watch the recording of Meet the Providers and EPAO event here (May 2021)
- The Sustainable50 business briefing
- The Sustainable50 FAQs
- Occupational standard and end-point assessment - Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner (Level 4)
The Corporate responsibility and sustainability practitioner (level 4) was picked as one of six green apprenticeships hand-picked by industry experts and marked with the Coronation emblem to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.