3 Reasons to Take the IEMA Foundation Certificate

Did you know that almost one in three environmental and sustainability professionals consider themselves career changers? For some, sustainability became essential in their role a bit later on in their career, and that led them to change their trajectory. Others had a passion for environmental and sustainability issues from the beginning which they decided to pursue. 

Either way, unless your company has a significant focus on sustainability, you've likely been given extra environmental responsibilities without the knowledge and support you need to be successful. 

Whether you're looking for a quick way of learning the ropes or looking to develop a career in environmental sustainability, the IEMA Foundation Certificate is the perfect place to start for a number of reasons.

Why Should You Take the IEMA Foundation Certificate?

Comprehensive Coverage of Sustainability Issues

The IEMA Foundation Certificate gives a broad understanding of sustainability topics and issues that are prevalent in the sector right now. Many learners are often surprised by the number and depth of topics they manage to cover in just 40 hours. You'll be immersed into:

• Core environmental principles (natural cycles, ecosystems, pollution, climate change, human intervention).
• Sustainability and megatrends.
• Policy and legislation.
• Environmental management systems.
• Environmental pollution.
• Performance evaluation.
• Management and assessment tools.
• Communication and the management of change.

By the end of the course, you'll have a good foundation of environmental and sustainability knowledge and the confidence to use it to supercharge your organisation's environmental strategy.

Improved Environmental Performance

Speaking of implementing change, did you know that companies with environmental sustainability strategies are more profitable.

Of course, the number one benefit of sustainable business is that it keeps the local and global community clean and green. We should all do our bit to help protect the planet for future generations. However, most operations that start implementing sustainable practices almost immediately notice a reduction in their energy demand. With the increasing prevalence of environmental issues in mainstream media, consumers are choosing more sustainable businesses that demonstrate good practices.

Waste reduction is incredibly cost-effective. It can also become a great selling point for your brand and improve your reputation with suppliers and locals. The IEMA Foundation Certificate will give you the necessary skills to implement practical changes in your company and help them reach new heights in environmental sustainability.

Career Progression

Unlike other awarding bodies, IEMA has a clearly defined skills map that matches their training courses with professional membership, which defines qualification levels and their associated IEMA membership level.

The IEMA Foundation Certificate will allow you to apply for Associate Membership of IEMA (AIEMA), the entry point for building a career in environment and sustainability. You'll get recognition for the new knowledge and skills you've gained from the course. Plus, you'll be able to access exclusive publications and networking events to help you stay up-to-date on all things environmental.

Companies all over the world recognise IEMA as the leading professional body for the environment and sustainability. With an IEMA suffix, you'll be able to show potential employers that you have what it takes to make a difference.

IEMA Skills Map

As you work your way through the IEMA skills map, you'll be rewarded with even more exclusive resources, networking opportunities and higher salaries.

The IEMA State of the Profession Survey 2018 reported that environmental professionals could gain a salary increase of around 60% through the progression from Graduate to Practitioner membership. It also found the median annual salary for a full-time environment and sustainability professional was £40,000, up 2.6% from 2017 and well above that for UK employees nationally, which was £28,758.

Perhaps the most interesting finding from the report was that 68% of professionals said they were satisfied with their job. They stated they found the work rewarding and full of opportunity while also feeling optimistic about tackling the world's environmental challenges.

How to Study the IEMA Foundation Certificate

If you believe the IEMA Foundation Certificate is the next step for you, there are a number of different ways you can proceed and learn in the way you want to. The three primary options available to you are:

• Online: Our interactive and multimedia-rich courses are designed for you to fit in around your commitments. They are delivered via our innovative, industry-leading Online Learning Campus, which maximises productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Virtual: The Virtual Learning Academy is the most modern approach to receiving tutor-led training online without the need to travel. 
• Classroom: Expert tutor-led delivery, hosted in a professional training environment across 6-sites within the UK.

For more information about these learning methods and the IEMA Foundation Certificate, you can visit our course page below.