ICRS publishes research on impact of CRS Apprenticeship
A report has been launched by the Institute of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability which speaks to the value of employers taking on CR&S apprentices. 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 CR&S apprenticeship standard has been created to encourage UK employers to recruit employees who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to be trained in or start a career in CR&S. 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.
In May 2021 with the support of the Institute for Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (ICRS) and a superb Trailblazer Group of employers the Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner Level 4 was formally approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education. Currently the number of participating employers is over 90, with more than 140 apprentices in the UK.
The CR&S Apprenticeship Review 2023 research and report creation has been done by Warrior Group and funded by Amazon UK, a current employer of CR&S apprentices and a member of the Trailblazer group behind the apprenticeship.
Scope of Report:
This report showcases the key findings of our recent research – generously funded by Amazon – on the impact of the Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (“CR&S”) Apprenticeship.
The evolution of our profession has been dramatic since the ICRS’ founding in 2014. Recent years have witnessed a massive upsurge in interest in sustainability and, particularly, how business is responding to challenges and opportunities posed by a host of social, environmental and ethical issues.
The Level 4 CR&S Apprenticeship was launched in 2021 and since then has provided entry routes into the profession for 140 apprentices in 90+ businesses, with almost 50% based outside of London & South East.
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.
Read the report HERE
