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Alehm operates an innovate and successful consortium, that coordinates the training and qualification of London's next generation of Environmental Health professionals for subscribing London Council's.

Aim

• To facilitate the practical training of students who are studying for a BSc. or MSc. in Environmental Health on behalf of London employers;
• To provide a bursary for students on the programme whilst they undertake the course for a maximum of two years;
• To employ a London Student Development Officer to organise placements, support students and communicate with organisations that have joined the scheme.

Recruitment to the scheme

Students undertaking the Environmental Health degree or masters course at university are invited to apply for places on the scheme. When appointed to the scheme they receive a modest annual bursary to help with their expenses but more
importantly access to a managed programme of practical training placements at participating boroughs. The placements help them to develop their professional skills and complete their Experiential Learning Portfolio.

A fourth intake of students has been recruited in 2008/9, with recruitment restricted to six to ensure all students can be properly supported by the member boroughs. The scheme has an excellent reputation resulting in 42 applications being received this year and 11 students have completed their degree with support from the consortium.

Benefits

The scheme is flexible as it allows employers to take a student when it is convenient for them; this can be for a few months or for a longer period of up to two years (agreed between the student and the borough). This approach enables students to gain the maximum from their training and experience a variety of employers. It also offers participating employers an opportunity to show their strengths as potential permanent employers, important as London experiences staff recruitment and retention difficulties. A programme of no (or low-cost) training events are also run for the students on topics such as the Experiential Learning Protocol (ELP).

LACORS recognise Alehm's London Student Consortium as an example of good practice.

Experience has shown that students developed by the scheme are able to undertake paid work alongside their training and can become a valuable asset to employers.

Current membership

The scheme currently has a membership of ten London boroughs. The scheme protocol encourages membership from boroughs outside London, and from the private sector.

Members' commitment

• To agree to maintain membership of the scheme for three years;
• Pay an annual fee whilst a member of the scheme (for 2008/09 this is £3,150.00);
• Identify and support a member of staff in their organisation to support the student, and to liaise with the London Student Development Officer.

Students' commitment

• To work in accordance with the job description;
• To attend and satisfactorily complete practical training opportunities and study in accordance with the University guidelines;
• Maintain effective communications with the London Student Development Officer.