IoL, CTSI and CIEH celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026

The Institute of Licensing is marking National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February 2026) with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).

Together, the three professional bodies are championing apprenticeships as a vital route into regulatory and enforcement careers. The week is also a chance to highlight the variety and inclusivity of these professions, and the shared commitment to serving and protecting communities. 

Trading Standards offers a hugely varied and rewarding career open to people from all walks of life. Apprenticeships provide an accessible, flexible way to enter the profession, supporting people to learn and earn while developing the knowledge and skills needed to protect consumers and uphold fair trading. 

Apprenticeships also play a vital role in reinforcing existing Trading Standards teams and bringing new talent into often-stretched services. By working jointly with CIEH and IoL, CTSI is amplifying that message across the wider regulatory landscape — championing apprenticeships as a practical pathway into regulatory and enforcement roles. 

From an employer perspective, apprenticeships can provide a cost-effective approach to workforce development, with incentives such as the apprenticeship levy, while helping employers invest in the future capability of their services. 

Paul Adams, IoL Chief Executive said:

“As always, it is a pleasure to join up with CIEH and CTSI to celebrate the role of regulatory apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to start a new career, and the Regulatory Compliance Officer Level 4 apprenticeship works well for anyone joining or working within a local authority but also for those working in the private sector.

The Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship equips learners with the knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements relevant to their organisation and is ideally suited to those wishing to work in compliance teams or similar.

Ultimately, this will be good preparation for those wishing to go on to specialise in their chosen field, which might include licensing, environmental health, or trading standards. As the professional body for licensing, the IoL aims to support all aspiring licensing practitioners throughout their career.”

John Herriman, Chief Executive at CTSI, said: 

“Apprenticeships are key to the future success of the trading standards profession which has successfully created more flexible pathways to those who want an exciting career protecting consumers and ensuring fair markets. National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to celebrate apprentices joining the profession, and the members and employers who do incredible work to support them on their journey. At the Chartered Trading Standards Institute we are committed to shaping the future of the profession by welcoming apprentices into membership, providing a recognised route towards Chartered status, and offering mentoring that builds confidence, capability and ambition in the next generation of Trading Standards professionals.” 

Mark Elliott, CIEH President, said:

“We’re thrilled to join our colleagues at CTSI and IoL in marking National Apprenticeship Week, which is an important showcase for the diverse and rewarding career paths our sector offers. Apprenticeships continue to deliver huge benefits for both employers and learners, strengthening teams and opening doors to opportunity.

At CIEH, we’re committed to working closely with employers to promote and support high‑quality apprenticeship routes. In recent years, these programmes have played a crucial role in boosting environmental health workforces during ongoing recruitment challenges and in nurturing exceptional new talent entering the profession.

Apprenticeships bring fresh skills into organisations while providing apprentices with meaningful, supported pathways into impactful careers. We will continue championing the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities to help train and empower the next generation of Environmental Health Practitioners.”