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

Find out more about apprenticeships in Trading Standards

Find out more about apprenticeships in Environmental Health

Find out more about the Institute of Licensing

John Herriman, Chief Executive at CTSI, recently 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.” 

CTSI supports people throughout their careers in Trading Standards, including through initiatives such as the CTSI Mentoring Scheme, which connects members across services and career stages for practical guidance tailored to development goals. 

This focus will continue at CTSI Conference 2026 in Glasgow (9–11 June), where apprenticeships and progression will form part of wider conversations about the future of the profession, including an apprenticeship-focused session. 

Mark Elliott, CIEH President, recently 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.”

Voices of the future: Hear from our apprentices

As part of NAW2026, we’re hearing directly from some of our apprentices as they share their stories, experiences, and the skills they’ve gained during their Trading Standards apprenticeship. 

Meet Donna Woolway: 

Meet Jerry Vellaringattu: 

You can also read our interviews with apprentices Bohir Saiq, Amy Whyte, Sarah Patterson and Beth Burls here