Grant Thornton and Teesside Uni launch applied sustainability apprenticeship

Grant Thornton UK and Teesside University have partnered to launch a new apprenticeship designed to build sustainability business skills. The Applied Sustainability Professional Level 4 Apprenticeship will help employees to “drive impactful social and environmental change with practical application from the outset”.  

Grant Thornton said the course, which is delivered by Teesside University, is suitable for a wide range of new and experienced professionals who need to understand and apply sustainability in their roles.

Typical functions which may benefit from the 12-month course include HR, finance, governance, risk, procurement (supply chain), operations, data, responsibility and reporting, sustainability and marketing. 

At the end of the programme, participants will have acquired the skills and knowledge to develop, manage, communicate and promote sustainability initiatives within their organisations, and will also obtain a “broad foundation” into sustainability for immediate practical application.

The £14,000 cost of the programme can be fully funded by Apprenticeship Levy contributions or with 95% government co-investment, so at no additional or incremental cost to organisations.
 
Julia Rockcliffe, Sustainability Training Programmes lead at Grant Thornton, said: “As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable for businesses, investing in developing the right skills for the future is vital. Sustainability can help businesses to innovate and grow, whilst addressing environmental and social challenges that post significant risks to future security and prosperity. 

“This exciting new programme adds to our Sustainability Academy we have co-designed with Teesside University, will help organisations build practical skills to deliver sustainability action plans, and build resilience underpinned by the principles of compliance, social responsibility and environmental sustainability.” 

Jo Burgess, director of Professional Apprenticeships at Teesside University, added: “We are delighted to be continuing our collaboration with Grant Thornton to design and deliver this latest qualification. Our two organisations bring unrivalled expertise which will help the next generation of sustainability professionals make a huge impact in their workplace.
 
“With increasing numbers of organisations placing huge emphasis on meeting high environmental, social and governance standards the need for well-qualified and informed sustainability professionals has never been greater. This apprenticeship will enable employees to inform sustainable commercial opportunities and business planning, while positively communicating and influencing stakeholders around sustainability.”