The programme runs for either 16 months (standard route) or 8 months (fast track) on-programme, followed by an End-Point Assessment (EPA) period of 4 months.

Fast Track is subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.

Safety, Health and Environment Technicians support organisations to provide safe and responsible working environments while meeting relevant statutory and organisational requirements. The role may be partly office-based and partly operational, working closely with managers, employees, contractors and external stakeholders. Responsibilities may include:

• Supporting the development and implementation of safe systems of work
• Identifying workplace hazards and evaluating risks
• Carrying out or supporting SHE inspections and monitoring activities
• Delivering toolbox talks, inductions and other SHE information
• Monitoring and analysing SHE performance data
• Producing reports and presenting findings to management
• Supporting or managing accident, incident, dangerous occurrence and near-miss investigations
• Researching changes to legislation, guidance and industry best practice
• Supporting environmental protection and sustainability requirements
• Supporting relationships with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies

SHE Technicians must combine technical understanding with strong communication, professional judgement and the ability to positively influence others.

Typical job roles include SHE Technician, Health and Safety Officer, Health, Safety and Environment Advisor and Safety Technician.

Funding: Levy and non-levy employer funding available.

Find out how apprenticeship funding works for your organisation on our apprenticeships for employers page, or speak to our team.

Delivery Model: Remote delivery supported by workplace application and development.

The programme is delivered remotely, providing flexible access to structured tutor-led learning while enabling apprentices to apply their developing knowledge and skills directly within their workplace. Delivery includes:

• Live remote tutor-led training
• Structured off-the-job training
• Technical workshops
• Individual tutor support
• Workplace-based activities and application
• Risk-assessment activities
• SHE inspection and monitoring activities
• Incident-investigation development
• Legislation and compliance development
• Professional discussions and reflective practice
• Portfolio and project development
• End-Point Assessment preparation

High Ridge Training's programme incorporates 370 planned off-the-job training hours. Employers must provide protected time during working hours for required apprenticeship training and suitable workplace opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the standard.

Apprentices develop the professional behaviours expected of a SHE Technician, including:

• Taking responsibility for their work
• Demonstrating professional integrity
• Applying a systematic approach to identifying and managing risk
• Challenging unsafe practices appropriately
• Maintaining confidentiality where required
• Keeping professional knowledge up to date
• Demonstrating commitment to Continuing Professional Development
• Promoting responsible safety, health and environmental practices

Before entering End-Point Assessment, apprentices must:

• Achieve Level 2 English and Maths (if required in line with current apprenticeship funding rules)
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard
• Complete their on-programme portfolio
• Prepare their project scope
• Complete a minimum of 370 off-the-job training hours
• Be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer

The EPA is conducted by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation and typically includes:

• Knowledge Test: assessing the apprentice's underpinning technical and occupational knowledge
• Project Report and Presentation with Questioning: the apprentice completes a work-based project and report before presenting their work and responding to questions from an independent assessor
• Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence: a structured discussion exploring how the apprentice has applied their knowledge, skills and behaviours within their occupational role

The apprentice must successfully pass the EPA to achieve the full apprenticeship standard.

• Employment within a suitable Safety, Health and Environment role
• A role providing opportunities to support the management of workplace health, safety and environmental requirements
• Opportunities to undertake or support hazard identification and risk assessment
• Access to SHE inspections and monitoring activities
• Opportunities to support incident and accident investigations
• Access to relevant workplace policies, procedures and SHE management systems
• Motivation to develop a professional career within safety, health and environmental management

Individual English and Maths requirements will be identified during the initial assessment and enrolment process. High Ridge Training will work with the apprentice and employer to ensure the individual's role provides sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate the occupational competence required by the standard.

Employers can enquire about enrolling an apprentice onto this programme.

Successful completion provides a strong foundation for continued professional development within occupational health and safety, environmental management and related compliance roles. Career and training progression opportunities may include:

• Safety, Health and Environment Technician
• Health and Safety Technician
• SHE Coordinator
• Health and Safety Coordinator
• Environmental Coordinator
• SHE Advisor
• Health and Safety Advisor
• Compliance Advisor
• SHE Officer

With further occupational experience, qualifications and professional development, apprentices may progress into more senior roles including Health and Safety Manager, SHE Manager, Environmental Manager or other specialist safety, health and environmental positions.

The apprenticeship also provides a strong foundation for progression to higher-level professional qualifications and continued development through IOSH.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship can support progression towards Technical Membership of IOSH (TechIOSH).

This provides apprentices with a clear professional-development pathway beyond their apprenticeship and encourages continued engagement with the occupational safety and health profession.

• Develop practical SHE competence within a real working environment
• Benefit from flexible remote training
• Develop risk-assessment, inspection and monitoring skills
• Strengthen incident-investigation and problem-solving capability
• Develop effective communication and influencing skills
• Develop skills applicable across a wide range of industries
• Gain an industry-recognised Level 3 apprenticeship
• Build a strong foundation for professional progression within occupational safety and health

Explore our protective services apprenticeships or read more about apprenticeships for employers.

Professional Membership: IOSH Student Membership

Apprentices are supported to access Student Membership with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) during their programme, providing an early introduction to the professional occupational safety and health community. Membership can provide access to:

• Career and employability support
• Professional mentoring opportunities
• IOSH's global professional community
• Professional events, networking opportunities and webinars
• Learning and development resources and technical guidance
• Continuing Professional Development resources

Accredited CPD: Fire Warden Training

Apprentices also complete accredited Fire Warden Training. Fire safety is an important aspect of workplace risk management, making this additional training particularly relevant to apprentices developing careers within safety, health and environmental roles. The training supports apprentices to:

• Understand the role and responsibilities of a Fire Warden
• Recognise common workplace fire hazards
• Develop awareness of fire prevention and risk-control measures
• Support effective evacuation arrangements
• Support colleagues and visitors during emergency situations
• Recognise and report fire-safety concerns

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.

The full Safety, Health and Environment Technician apprenticeship standard (ST0550) is published on Skills England. You can also contact our team for advice on eligibility, funding and start dates.