Compliance and risk officer
Level 3 · AdvancedLegal, finance and accounting 1.3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Compliance and Risk Officer apprenticeship trains you to identify, assess, and manage risks and regulatory obligations within a business or financial services organisation. You will develop skills to monitor compliance with rules and policies, investigate potential breaches, and report to senior stakeholders. This Level 3 role is the entry point to careers in risk management, regulatory compliance, and internal audit across many sectors.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Principles of risk management and key UK regulatory frameworks
How to carry out compliance monitoring and thematic reviews
Reporting structures and how to communicate risk findings clearly
Data analysis techniques used to identify compliance issues
Ethics, conduct standards, and the importance of regulatory culture
Record-keeping, evidence gathering, and investigative techniques
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Monitor business activities against regulatory requirements and internal policies
Complete risk assessments and update risk registers
Investigate potential compliance breaches and document findings
Prepare clear compliance reports and management information
Support senior officers in preparing for regulatory visits or audits
Advise colleagues on compliance queries and policy updates
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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