LoginNATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK: Sarah Patterson
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 Sarah Patterson.
Everyday is different
Q. Why would you recommend becoming an apprentice?
I would recommend the apprenticeship because you get paid while you are studying and working and gain a qualification at the end of it. The mix of practical and theory works well, you might learn about a subject on a teams workshop, then get the chance to go out and do it, consolidating your understanding.
Q. What has surprised you the most about working in Trading Standards?
The large amount of areas it covers, from illicit vapes and tobacco to consumer rights and fair trading, to weights and measures, product safety, under age sales, counterfeit goods and animal welfare to name a few. Everyday is different.
Q. How does your role make a difference?
In Trading Standards you work to help businesses and protect consumers. We do a lot of partnership working with the Police and other Council departments. There is a lot to learn but I am loving the experience so far.
Q. Summarise Trading Standards in three words...
Bonkers (in a good way)
Varied
Interesting
Find out more about apprenticeships here.
