Introducing Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship — Cranfield University

If you're looking to enhance your sustainability skills and build your knowledge through a mix of taught modules and work-based learning then this apprenticeship is for you. Dr Rosina Watson, associate professor of sustainability at Cranfield School of Management explains more

What is sustainable business?

Sustainable business is the practice of conducting commercial activities in a manner that minimises negative environmental, social, and economic impacts while maximising positive contributions. It involves a commitment to long-term viability, considering the wellbeing of both current and future generations. It is underpinned by principles of:

• Environmental responsibility: Sustainable businesses aim to reduce their ecological footprint by minimising resource consumption, energy use, waste generation, and pollution. They often embrace renewable energy sources, eco-friendly materials, and efficient processes to mitigate environmental impact.
• Social equity: Sustainable business practices prioritise fair and ethical treatment of employees, customers, and the communities in which they operate. This includes providing safe working conditions, fair wages, and supporting local communities through socially responsible initiatives.
• Economic viability: A sustainable business should be economically viable over the long term. This involves considering the financial impact of decisions on the company's profitability while also factoring in the costs and benefits for society and the environment.

Very few individual businesses could claim to be 'sustainable' - sustainability is a journey, not a destination. At it is core, it is about shifting the understanding of what a business is there to do - from a narrow focus on shareholder returns to harnessing the potential for business 'to profitably solve problems of people and planet, and not profit from causing problems' (Professor Colin Meyer). Every business needs to be able to articulate why they do what they do, and why it matters - to develop a shared understanding of the contribution they make.  

What does the apprenticeship involve?

The course is comprised of 14 taught modules and a work-based project underpinned by a portfolio of evidence to guide reflective practice.

It is primarily delivered online to minimise the carbon footprint of the course and enable wide and diverse participation in sustainability education. Teaching takes place live on alternative Fridays over a six-week period, with students completing self-directed learning in between these sessions.

Additional elements of experiential learning, including activities such as site tours, games and coaching take place at an annual three-day residential at Cranfield, which provide the opportunity for cohorts to get to know each other, network with academics and industry representatives and create enduring supportive alumni groups.

Following completion of the taught modules (two years), you will plan, execute and evaluate an individual work-based project that addresses a sustainability challenge or opportunity for your organisation. You will be expected to demonstrate how you have applied the learning from the course to improve your professional practice.

The learning objectives of the course are based on the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship Standard and are delivered through interactive lectures, case study discussions, simulations and role play across the taught modules. You will evidence that you have developed and applied these in your work-based project and in your wider role in the organisation.

On successful completion of the programme, you will acquire a Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship, a Masters degree and professional recognition as a Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) or Chartered Environmentalist (Full Member of the IEMA) depending on your level of experience prior to the course.

What are the course's unique selling points?

• Combination of technical and management/leadership learning drawing on the best from Cranfield’s School of Management and School of Water, Energy and Environment
• Flexible, accessible and low carbon mode of delivery - taught from a high-quality online teaching studio
• High quality MSc experience - 14 distinct ten credit modules and supervised thesis project
• Majority of assessments can be applied to your organisation to make a real difference
• Cranfield expertise in running Masters level apprenticeships
• Dedicated apprenticeship tutor team offering one-to-one support for each apprentice (and dedicated course tutor team offering one-to-one support for each non-apprentice)
• Accredited by Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

What type of students would suit this course?

• Sustainability professionals across management levels who are keen to improve or enhance their sustainability skills, knowledge and abilities, and lead their organisations more effectively towards improved sustainability performance.
• Employees who are new to their sustainability role, whether leading or employed within a team of dedicated experts, who are keen to build their sustainability skills, knowledge and abilities, and apply these in their workplace.
• Employees in other functional areas (e.g. operations, procurement, HR) for who sustainability is becoming an increasingly important aspect of their role, and who want to build their knowledge and skills in this area, and be equipped to lead their function to align with their organisation's sustainability strategy.
• Entrepreneurial individuals who are looking to develop their sustainability skills, knowledge and abilities to grow an existing business in a sustainable way, or even start a new business.

What advice do you have for anyone considering an apprenticeship?

Make sure you have the support of your organisation. You need to be able to dedicate a full day of your working week to your studies, and so working with your organisation to facilitate that is critical (for example through delegating parts of your role). The more involved in your learning your employer is, the more benefit it will bring to them, as well as you. The majority of your module assessments are applied to your workplace, so you will very quicky be able to make an impact in your organisation through applying your learning in practice.

Just as importantly, make sure you have the support of your loved ones who will be an essential support to you throughout your learning journey, while you juggle work, studies as well as your family and caring responsibilities. Talk to other apprentices about their experiences.

Don't be put off by thinking you have too much experience to be an apprentice - apprentices exist across multiple levels, from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (Masters level). This course is a Masters level apprenticeship, so suitable for experienced candidates.

Equally, don't be put off if you only have two or three years of work experience post an undergraduate degree, you could still be suitable, particularly if you have been working in the sustainability field, or if your degree is in a relevant subject (e.g. environmental science, geography). Even if you don't have an undergraduate degree, you could still be eligible for the course, we would invite you to interview to explore whether you have developed the skills for Masters-level study during your work activities and other lifelong learning.

Find out more

• Learn more about the Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship.
• Read all about apprenticeships.