A new route into a career in environmental health has opened in the East of England.
The University of Suffolk’s Environmental Health Degree Apprenticeship has now been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
This new apprenticeship will support students to become registered Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs). By combining paid employment with academic study, apprentices gain hands-on experience alongside in-depth professional knowledge, preparing them to tackle vital issues ranging from food safety and housing standards to environmental protection and public health.
There are now five CIEH‑accredited Environmental Health Degree Apprenticeships available across England. Their expansion reflects the growing national demand for new EHPs and the essential role environmental health plays in ensuring safer, cleaner and healthier communities.
The launch of the course at the University of Suffolk marks a significant milestone for the profession, filling a long-standing gap in provision within the East of England.
This new apprenticeship offers employers in the region an opportunity to grow their own workforce, while opening doors for people who want to develop a meaningful career that makes a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people in their communities.
Jon Buttolph, Executive Director of Professional Standards at CIEH, said: “We are delighted have a new CIEH-accredited degree apprenticeship at the University of Suffolk. This is a hugely important development for the East of England, a region that has been without an accredited environmental health course for many years, as well as a great step forward for our strategic priority to achieve a sustainable environmental health profession.
“Apprenticeships offer a powerful way to combine practical, real‑world experience with robust academic learning, and they play a crucial role in attracting the diverse and skilled workforce our profession needs.
“We look forward to seeing this programme support employers across the region to grow their own talent, while giving aspiring EHPs a clear and accessible route into this rewarding and essential field.”
Sam Chenery-Morris, Executive Dean of School of Business, Arts, Social Sciences & Technology, said: "The accreditation of our Level 6-degree apprenticeship is another milestone for the University as we develop our degree level apprenticeship portfolio. The course was developed to address the lack of Environmental Health Officers in our region and illustrates how the university works with local employers to fill skills gaps.
“We will continue to work with the local employers to ensure we provide talented learners for the benefit of our local economy and community."
Learn more about CIEH-accredited Environmental Health Degree Apprenticeships, including the course at the University of Suffolk, here: https://www.cieh.org/what-is-environmental-health/how-do-i-become-an-ehp/apprenticeships/
Image courtesy of University of Suffolk & Gregg Brown Photography
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