For individuals, apprenticeships offer a valuable route into a meaningful career by combining academic learning with real-world practice. For employers, they’re a great way to grow future talent and build a skilled, sustainability workforce. For the profession as a whole, apprenticeships help raise standards, broaden access, and create a steady pipeline of capable, committed professionals.
At IEMA, we believe in the value of apprenticeships. We are pleased to confirm there are several environmental and sustainability apprenticeships in England that are either fully, or partly aligned with IEMA’s Sustainability Skills Map and our Professional Membership Levels, offering a direct and accessible route into membership.
These Apprenticeships are:
Apprenticeships Fully Aligned to IEMA Membership
The knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) within the Environmental Practitioner (Degree) Apprenticeship (Level 6) and Sustainability Business Specialist (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship (Level 7) are fully aligned with the competencies required for IEMA’s Practitioner Membership (PIEMA) standard.
This means that individuals who successfully complete either the Level 6 or Level 7 apprenticeship are eligible to apply for PIEMA membership by:
- Completing a short application form
- Providing evidence of successful completion of the apprenticeship
- Submitting one verification (e.g. from a colleague, manager, or tutor)
Due to the alignment with the IEMA’s standards and the rigorous, practical End-Point Assessment (EPA) of the apprenticeship, there is no additional assessment requirement to achieve Practitioner membership. It’s a straightforward application process, and we’re here to help every step of the way. See below on ‘How to Apply’.
Dual Recognition: IEMA Practitioner and REnvP
The Society for the Environment (SocEnv) has also confirmed that both the Level 6 and Level 7 apprenticeships are fully aligned with the competencies required for Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) status.
Therefore, in addition to becoming a Practitioner member of IEMA, apprenticeship graduates are also eligible for Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) registration with the Society for the Environment (SocEnv).
Apprentices who complete either of these apprenticeships can submit a dual application for both IEMA Practitioner and REnvP, with no additional application steps required.
To find out more about Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and the pathway to Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), take a look at this webpage.
How to Apply
If you’ve completed either the Level 6 or Level 7 apprenticeship in England in the last 2 years, it’s the perfect time to take that next step. You’ve already done the hard work… let your membership reflect it.
We are currently exploring a dedicated online application route for apprenticeship graduates to apply for Practitioner and REnvP.
In the meantime, please contact us directly at [email protected] and our team will guide you through the simple process to gain your professional membership and registration.
Apprenticeship Partly-Aligned to IEMA Membership
The knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) within the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Apprenticeship (Level 4) partly maps to IEMA’s Sustainability Skills Map and our Professional Membership Levels. However, with some additions, providers can align this programme with the competencies required for IEMA Associate Membership (AIEMA).
For providers in England interested in aligning a Level 4 apprenticeship to IEMA’s Associate standard (AIEMA), we have developed an approval process to support you. Once approved, learners who complete the AIMEA integrated apprenticeship will be eligible to sit the AIEMA online exam (managed by IEMA). Upon passing the exam, candidates will gain Associate membership, recognising their foundational knowledge and commitment to sustainability practice.
To learn more about the approval process and how we can support you, please contact [email protected].
Looking for an Apprenticeship Provider?
If you live in England and interested in starting a career in sustainability, or an employer looking to grow talent through an apprenticeship, we recommend visiting the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) website or searching through the gov.uk apprenticeships portal.
These sites will help you explore available apprenticeships, check entry requirements, and connect with approved providers delivering the Level 4, Level 6, and Level 7 programmes aligned to IEMA’s membership.
Want to understand more about what it’s like to be an apprentice? Read some of the case studies on the Green Careers Hub: