First health and safety apprenticeship launched

A group of contractors has launched the UK’s first safety, health and environment (SHE) apprenticeship.

The new qualification has been developed by a working group including Costain, HS2 and Thames Water with support from the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).

The first cohort of 20 apprentices have started their apprenticeships in a wide range of companies, including those in the working group.

A further 160 are due to commence their apprenticeships in the coming months; two of which will be working with Costain on its A-one+ Joint Venture in Kent starting in September.

The SHE apprenticeship is a level three qualification, which is the equivalent of two A Levels and allows apprentices to learn while they earn.

Those who start the two-year course will learn how to spot health risks and mitigate safety concerns.

It has been designed to give trainees a general grounding in all aspects of SHE and the working group intends to explore developing industry specific SHE apprenticeship pathways in the future.

This will ensure that trainees entering sectors, such as nuclear, develop the skills and understanding of SHE in these fields.

In addition, employers can reclaim their apprenticeship levy contributions by running this and other apprenticeship schemes.

“Technological innovation is transforming the workplace across every industry,” said Costain’s Highway and Nuclear Sector SHE Manager, Ian Nixon.

“Every business is placing a premium on those employees who have the expertise and abilities to assess the operational risks of these new technologies and implement steps to ensure that staff can manage them safely and securely. That is why, in partnership with colleagues from across many different sectors, we have developed England’s first SHE apprenticeship.

“This new scheme will equip trainees with the knowledge, expertise and skills needed to mitigate safety risks and help businesses manage any areas of potential harm to employees,” added Mr Nixon.