<p>The critical importance of embedding <strong>sustainable practices </strong>and <strong>corporate social responsibility (CSR)</strong> into core business operations remains at the top of business need. Consumers, employees, and stakeholders are increasingly taking note of companies that go beyond profit margins to make a tangible positive impact on the environment and society. To meet this growing need, an exciting <strong>Level 4 apprenticeship</strong> has been launched as an innovative and practical solution.</p><p>The new <strong>Corporate Sustainability Executive Apprenticeship</strong> has been designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to champion sustainability and CSR within an organisation. Apprentices who complete this program will be able to drive impactful changes that align with the company’s long-term goals and values.</p><p><em>“CSR refers to a company's commitment to operate ethically and sustainably, balancing economic, environmental and social considerations. It involves going beyond legal requirements to make a proactive effort to positively impact society. CSR encompasses activities such as reducing carbon footprints, ensuring fair labor practices, supporting community development and investing in philanthropic initiatives”&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/10/11/corpor… aspects of the apprenticeship include <strong>strategic planning</strong> to<strong> identify </strong>and<strong> embed sustainable initiatives</strong> that align with business objectives and values. Ensuring your organisation meets and records all relevant environmental and social governance (ESG) and regulatory compliance, will enable the individual to measure impact through data driven evaluations. This role will allow for effective measurement of sustainability outcomes and progress and with a focus on real-world application; the apprenticeship will offer businesses a valuable way to integrate sustainability expertise into their teams.</p><p>If you are looking to future proof for sustainability and remain competitive whilst enhancing brand reputation and stakeholder engagement; individuals on this apprenticeship will be able to craft and execute initiatives that showcase company values and dedication to CSR. Improving operational efficiency through sustainable practices will not only offer cost savings, but it will identify opportunities for improvement whilst driving efficiency and environmental benefits.</p><p>Today’s workforce value employers who prioritise sustainable purpose. Who demonstrate commitment to meaningful change and want to make impact. Consider this a strategic investment in your organisation’s future by embedding sustainability and CSR expertise at the heart of your business and drive positive change to highlight your business’s social conscience. Transform operations and make impact with this apprenticeship for a brighter, greener future.&nbsp;</p><p>Contact <strong>employers@weston.ac.uk</strong> to find out more about upskilling your existing team members or find out how access new sustainability focused talent for your business.</p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Hi, I’m Tom, a Year 1 <a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… 3&nbsp;Business BTEC</a> student at Weston College. My course gave me the opportunity to go on an amazing trip to New York City, where we made lots of memories, gained a greater insight into the industry and experienced many new things. Both my course and this trip have benefitted me greatly due to the range knowledge I have gained and the opportunities I have received like the trip to New York which I will discuss below!&nbsp;</p><p>The New York trip was across 5 days, exploring the sights around Manhattan and no day was the same, every day was filled with new landmarks, attractions and memories. We went to Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, The 9/11 Memorial and many more. We also had an even balance of free time, which gave us all time to try American food and experience things that are once in a lifetime.&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Panorama photograph of Times Square taken by Tom&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0b084d5-9c23-49b9-8ca8-5feac6d7728c" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The memories started when we landed in New York and headed through JFK airport, and whilst waiting for other students at security, we saw Mike Tyson! It was a memorable start to the trip as he met everyone there, including the students.&nbsp;</p><p>Once we’d unpacked our bags, we took to Times Square and were in awe of the American nightlife, particularly the tall buildings and billboards, and the huge amount of people. It even began to snow! We then got food, did some shopping and explored the area. My friends and I went to Raising Canes for the first time (now a group favourite of ours) and we were greeted by the queue reaching the door, they even had a live DJ!&nbsp;</p><p>The next day, we went to visit the Statue of Liberty! We got on the island and took a group photo, and we explored the area, grabbed some food, looked around the museum, and then went to Ellis Island where we learned about its historical significance around immigration. We then had a snowball fight between first- and second-year students! Later in the day, we walked to Chinatown where everyone explored the rich culture, before heading to the Brooklyn Bridge. That night we went out to Times Square again, shopped for souvenirs and got the famous New York Pizza!&nbsp;</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Polaroid photograph of Tom and his friends&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9353d7e1-359f-42be-ba06-1ed07c858d39" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Our third day was extremely busy, we walked past the Ghostbusters Building before an impactful visit to the 9/11 memorial where we learnt more about the attacks, saw exhibits, viewed real pieces of the salvaged towers before finishing with an emotional video. This was a very powerful and insightful part of the trip. We then had free time around the area, so of course we went to an American McDonalds!&nbsp;</p><p>After this, we went to Wall Street for our guided tour with our extremely eccentric tour guide, Jared, which made the tour a lot more engaging due to his wisdom and quirkiness. The tour taught us a lot about the history of Wall Street, banking and so much more. That night, we walked around Rockefeller centre and got Chick Fill A as a group.&nbsp;</p><p>The following day, we went up the Empire State Building, walked around the exhibits, and took some pictures from the very top. Since it was Valentine’s Day, we witnessed four proposals which made the experience a lot more wholesome! I even bought a Lego set of some iconic NYC buildings from the gift shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>After this, we had some more free time, so my friends and I split a pizza together and did some shopping before heading to Central Park and 5th avenue. By this point in the trip, we were doing 25,000 steps per day and my feet couldn’t take it, so I got a taxi back to the hotel and rested for a bit before rejoining the group later, feeling a lot better.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>That night, we heard rumours that it was the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, so we rushed down to Rockefeller Centre where we stood in the audience and saw Jimmy Fallon walk outside!&nbsp;</p><p>On the fifth and final day, we visited the Highline, an abandoned railway line which has been converted into a footpath, before visiting the market below which was full of interesting shops and places to eat. We then headed to our meetup point, the Vessel, where I had a look in the Ray Bans store and, after long consideration, I bought a pair of Meta Ray Bans which allowed me to get some immersive pictures and videos in Times Square!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Unfortunately, it was time to get ready for our flight back to London. Once we landed and got off the plane, we headed for the coach back to college, and throughout the coach trip, there was good vibes the whole way, trying to remain on the trip as long as we could, but sadly, after 5 days and 120,000 steps later, we were back at college, where our loved ones were waiting.&nbsp;</p><p>This trip was an amazing opportunity to learn about international Business, and Travel &amp; Tourism, whilst trying new experiences and making friends and memories along the way. This is not the only trip offered by Business and Travel &amp; Tourism! Other trips include Alton Towers, Mendip Activity Centre, becoming a British Airways Cabin Crew member and many more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><a class="ProsemirrorEditor-link" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… you would like to apply to one of our Business courses, click here.</u></a></p>