LoginNATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK: Beth Burls
From 9-15 February, The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and Institute of Licensing (IoL) are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week.
As part of NAW2026, we’re hearing directly from some apprentices as they share their stories, experiences, and the skills they’ve gained during their Trading Standards apprenticeship. Meet Beth Burls.
Apprenticeships are for anybody
Q. Why would you recommend becoming an apprentice?
I would recommend becoming an apprentice as it offers you the opportunity to learn and gain a qualification at the same time as working and taking on responsibility within your team. Apprenticeships enable you to formalise the learning which you undertake day-to-day, at the same time as contributing to the priorities and outcomes of the wider service. Apprenticeships are for anybody. Whilst at university I thought that apprenticeships were only for those who hadn’t been to university, but I would now recommend an apprenticeship to anybody.
Q. What has surprised you the most about working in Trading Standards?
The variety of the job has surprised me the most, as you can be working on something completely different each day and week. The opportunities for collaboration with other agencies have also surprised me.
Q. How does your role make a difference?
Trading Standards makes a difference to both traders and consumers. Providing advice and guidance to businesses ensures that they are compliant and held accountable, which cascades into protecting consumers.
I feel that so far, I have made the most difference to consumers through engaging with consumers at scams events and providing them with information on how to protect themselves from scams.
Q. What does the future look like in your career?
I would like to continue to progress within Trading Standards. I am already undertaking a CTSI competency alongside the apprenticeship, and I am keen to continue to learn and develop once the apprenticeship is completed.
Find out more about apprenticeships here.
