Educ8 Training recently spoke with Michael Vernall, the Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager at Hydro Aluminium UK, who shared his experience of studying their Level 3 Energy and Carbon Management qualification and how it supports his role.
Educ8 Training offer a wide range of innovative apprenticeship pathways. Fully funded by Welsh Government, individuals like Michael can study an accredited qualification in new areas such as Energy and Carbon Management and Digital Skills for Business, which aim to bring fresh skills and knowledge, enhancing not only their role, but also adding value to the wider team and business.
In early 2024, Michael embarked on a new chapter in his career by beginning an apprenticeship in Energy and Carbon Management. With a background in health, safety, and environmental management, Michael’s role at Hydro Aluminium UK Ltd has evolved over the three-and-a-half years to encompass a wide array of responsibilities whilst focusing on the government targets for net zero.
Managing environmental performance
Michael said:
‘My role at Hydro Aluminium UK involves me overseeing the health, safety, and environmental performance of the Bedwas site. I advise senior management on legislative matters and I liaise with external bodies such as Natural Resources Wales and local authorities about our environmental performance. As such my role requires me to have a good knowledge and understanding of current laws and practices in health and safety as well as environmental conservation.’
Pursuing an apprenticeship
Michael’s decision to undertake Educ8 Training’s Level 3 Energy and Carbon Management apprenticeship was driven by the evolving demands of his role and the broader industry’s focus on sustainability. With the Welsh Government’s ambitious Net Zero targets for 2030, he recognized the importance of being well-versed in energy performance monitoring and sustainability strategies.
The apprenticeship not only equips him with the necessary knowledge and skills but also aligns with his company’s key performance indicators for reducing carbon emissions by 2025 and 2030. The program is already proving beneficial, as it has enabled him to better manage the site’s energy performance and contribute to the company’s sustainability goals. They are now looking to install solar panels on their roof and have reduced on-site waste by 98%.
Balancing Work, Study, and Life
Michael said that his trainer coach at Educ8 Training, Suzanne Evans, has been fantastic, and much of his success is largely due to her.
‘We regularly meet over Microsoft Teams to discuss the tasks and assignments and how I should approach them. We agree a deadline for when the work should be submitted and when our next meeting will take place. Sometimes my work takes me overseas and I have been unable to meet the deadlines. On those occasions, Suzanne has been flexible and agreed a longer time span in between our sessions and has adjusted the deadlines for me. This makes it more achievable. Like many, I work full-time and have a busy home life.
I know that Suzanne is available at the end of email or the telephone if I need any further help. This support has allowed me to stay on top of my studies and progress through the various modules.’
Future Plans
Michael is looking to retire within the next three years when he’ll be able to spend more time with his family. He’d also like to do something in his retirement to keep himself occupied.
He said:
‘It has always been a goal of mine to study and achieve a masters qualification. I haven’t been able to do this with a busy work schedule and home life but this is something I feel I can work towards in my retirement.’
Educ8 Training Group continues to advocate for apprenticeships and empowering businesses and individuals throughout Wales to invest in their future. With a diverse array of qualifications, there’s an opportunity for everyone to thrive.
For more information on apprenticeships, visit: educ8training.co.uk or get in touch to find out how you can grow your business.
