Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Level 4

Overview of apprenticeship

A Higher Apprenticeship is a job with an accompanying skills development programme. It enables apprentices to gain specialist knowledge while developing valuable workplace experience and earning a salary. Through a blend of project-based learning, workplace activities and one-to-one support from a dedicated Programme Tutor, apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to drive sustainable business practices and responsible organisational performance.

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioners help organisations understand and improve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Working with colleagues across all areas of a business, they support the development and implementation of sustainability strategies, monitor performance, engage stakeholders, promote responsible business practices and help organisations meet legislative and environmental commitments.

This pioneering apprenticeship is one of the Royal Apprenticeships, developed following the work of His Majesty King Charles III (formerly The Prince of Wales) to champion sustainability skills across industry. It is also recognised as a Green Apprenticeship, helping to develop the workforce needed to support the UK's transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will develop expertise in sustainability, corporate responsibility, environmental management, ethical business practices, stakeholder engagement, project management, communication, data analysis and continuous improvement. They will learn how responsible business practices create long-term value for organisations, employees, customers, communities and the environment.

Delivery Plan and Assessment

Apprentices must spend a minimum of 20% of their contracted working hours completing off-the-job training. This includes structured learning activities such as workplace projects, independent research, taught sessions, coaching and practical application within their organisation.

Each apprentice is supported by a dedicated Programme Tutor through regular workplace reviews, coaching sessions and progress meetings. Learning is delivered through a blended approach, enabling apprentices to apply sustainability principles directly to real organisational challenges and improvement projects.

Towards the end of the programme, apprentices will complete an independent End Point Assessment (EPA), demonstrating the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship through assessment activities specified within the occupational standard.

Where will this course take me?

Successful completion of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship opens opportunities across a wide range of sectors as organisations increasingly embed sustainability into their strategic priorities.

Typical progression opportunities include:

• Corporate Responsibility Practitioner
• Sustainability Practitioner
• ESG Coordinator
• Sustainability Advisor
• Environmental and Sustainability Officer
• Responsible Business Coordinator
• ESG Analyst

The apprenticeship also provides an excellent progression route onto higher-level sustainability, environmental management, leadership or business qualifications and supports professional development within the growing sustainability profession.

Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?

Your wage is decided by your employer however must meet the National Minimum Wage regulations https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates. 

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioners are employed across virtually every sector, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, construction, engineering, retail, finance, local government, charities and professional services.

As organisations continue to strengthen their environmental, social and governance commitments, demand for professionals with sustainability expertise continues to grow. Apprentices completing this programme will develop highly transferable skills that are increasingly sought after by employers both nationally and internationally.

Entry requirements

Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual employers, typically an apprentice might be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, Grade C or above or 4/5 (new grading). Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including a relevant Level 2 qualification. 

Candidates must have or achieve Level 2 in English and Maths before undertaking the Apprenticeship End Point Assessment.

Qualifications

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will achieve:

• Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard.
• ISEP Foundation Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management
• Skills for Success – West Suffolk College's employability and professional behaviours programme.
• Functional Skills in English and/or Maths where required.

How is this funded?

Learners

Apprentices are not required to contribute financially towards Apprenticeship training.

Employers

If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more, you will pay into an apprenticeship levy. This levy is then used to pay for the training element of the apprenticeship course.  The total figure for the Apprenticeship is negotiated before enrolment and once confirmed will be taken in monthly payments from your account directly to us or paid to us via invoice should additional fees be required. Once your levy fees are exhausted for 16-24 year old Apprentices the training fee would be paid in full by The Government. For 25+ Apprentices the training fee would be a 25% employer contribution and a 75% Government contribution.
If you are an employer with an annual wage bill of under £3 million, the Government will fund 100% of the training fee for Apprentices aged 16-24. For Apprentices aged 25+ working for a Non-levy paying employer there will be a 5% employer co-investment. You may be required to contribute additional fees which we will invoice the company for.  The additional fees will be made known and negotiated prior to the Apprentice enrolment.
There are additional incentives available if you are a small employer (under 50) and if you train/recruit a 16-18 year old or 19-24 year old with an Education Health and Care Plan. Contact us on 01284 716235 or apprenticeships@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk for further details of costs and how Apprenticeships are funded.

Try out our apprenticeship levy calculator here

I'm interested. What should I do now?

You apply for an Apprenticeship in the same way you would apply for a job: find an apprenticeship vacancy, send in your CV or complete an application. We can help you with applications and give you interview advice. Please view the following page on our website to see our latest Apprenticeship vacancies.

Apprenticeship Vacancies: https://www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/apprenticeships/vacancies

Alternatively, you can look on the GOV.UK website to see what other Apprenticeships vacancies may be available: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch

Employers - Please contact us to speak with a member of the Apprenticeship Team for more information and to organise a face to face visit.

Days & times

Please contact us for dates and further information