Empowering you and your organisation to develop the skills, knowledge and networks to thrive in the emerging field of sustainable business practice.

In partnership with Teesside University, an Ofsted Outstanding apprenticeship provider, the Applied Sustainability Professional Apprenticeship offers a practical foundation in sustainable business practices. Designed for immediate application, it equips professionals across functions with the skills and knowledge to champion sustainability initiatives within their organisations. The programme focuses on project management, change leadership, and stakeholder engagement—essential skills for driving meaningful change across diverse business areas.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is designed for professionals across all sectors who need to integrate sustainability into their roles. It is ideal for:

  • Functions such as HR, finance, governance, risk, supply chain, operations, data, sustainability, and marketing.
  • New roles focused on sustainability or experienced professionals advancing their organisation’s sustainability strategy and action plan.

What will they learn?

Through this programme, participants will gain the skills to:

  • Apply project and change management techniques to execute sustainability initiatives.
  • Communicate effectively and influence stakeholders to drive sustainability goals.
  • Analyse data and budgets to identify sustainable business opportunities and inform planning.
  • Integrate compliance and risk management principles into sustainable business practices.

Key facts

Certificate of Higher Education
Cert HE
Level
4
Duration
12 Months + End Point Assessment
Provider
Teesside University in partnership with Grant Thornton
Entry requirements
The apprentice must be employed in a relevant job role with agreement from their employer. This includes committing to a minimum of 6 hours off-the-job training a week.
Schedule
There are four modules which commence in Sept, Jan, Mar and May and run for ten weeks.  Within each module there will be broadly one day of study per week.   This course is delivered using a ‘carousel’ model, meaning apprentices can join at the beginning of any module.
Delivery
A mix of engaging live online sessions and self-guided study, complemented by in-person experiences such as a summer event and a field trip to Teesside University’s Net Zero Centre. Apprentices are supported by dedicated tutors, course directors, and module leaders throughout the programme.
Assessment
Participants are assessed through a mixture of assignments and a final end point assessment that involves an independent research project.
Fees and funding
£14,000 fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy.

Key benefits

Immediate practical application

Develop hands-on skills to support your organisation’s ESG and CSR strategies confidently and effectively.

Drive impactful change

Build stakeholder and change management expertise to create meaningful social and environmental progress.

Developed by academia and industry

Co-designed by Teesside University and Grant Thornton, blending academic excellence with real-world sustainability insights.

Frequently asked questions

This module focuses on how to promote sustainability initiatives and raise awareness about the importance of transparent and data-informed information in sustainability efforts.

Learners will acquire the tools, techniques, and models needed to create, develop, and integrate effective sustainability action plans within their organisations.

This module helps learners:

  • Understand compliance responsibilities
  • Monitor budgets effectively
  • Ensure quality in the planning and delivery of sustainability initiatives

Learners will explore how to:

  • Identify and engage both internal and external partners in their organisation’s sustainability agenda
  • Drive sustainability initiatives both locally and globally
Our Partnership with Teesside University

Innovative collaboration for future-focused learning

Our partnership with Teesside University is designed to bring you cutting-edge training programmes that equip your organisation for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. 

By combining Teesside University’s reputation for academic excellence with Grant Thornton’s practical expertise and industry networks, we deliver a learning experience that’s innovative, impactful, and tailored to your needs. 

Why Teesside University? 

  • Home to the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC)
    A £13.1m facility focusing on research and knowledge exchange to address global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. Teesside is at the forefront of the UK’s green industrial revolution. 

  • A commitment to responsible leadership
    As a signatory of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative, Teesside integrates sustainable and responsible leadership principles into its curricula, preparing learners to lead with purpose. 

  • Digital leadership
    As an Adobe Creative Campus, Apple Distinguished School and Microsoft Innovative Educator, apprentices build valuable digital skills alongside their academic development.
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