Apprentice, Aminah Ali, is reaping the benefits of upskilling after recently completing a qualification in Energy and Carbon Management with training provider, ACT.
Aminah, who works at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council as a Carbon and Energy apprentice, has been putting her learning to good use in her day-to-day work.
Aminah’s role involves managing energy metering data across more than 30 individual sites; something directly relevant to the teaching of the course, which looks at the management of energy consumption.
“The qualification helped further expand my knowledge around metering, which I can now apply to my day-to-day duties,” Aminah explained.
As well as this, her involvement in energy reduction projects, such as solar panels and LED lighting initiatives, has greatly benefited from the project management element of the qualification.
“The module was particularly helpful in allowing me to learn how to structure my projects and the necessary steps required to ensure projects are completed correctly,” she added. “I enjoy running projects in my role and would like to continue doing so throughout my career. Learning how to structure and execute projects successfully was really useful.”
The Excel module proved to be another valuable aspect of the apprenticeship.
“Since completing this, I have learnt different tricks and tips that I now implement into my spreadsheets, which help me carry out my day-to-day tasks more effectively.”
But the standout aspect of her apprenticeship experience was the behavioural change unit. Aminah and her team at the council launched a behavioural change initiative aimed at educating staff on energy consciousness, both at work and at home.
“The behavioural change unit went hand-in-hand with what we were trying to achieve,” she said. I believe this is an area that everyone can learn about and implement not only in the workplace but in everyday life.
“Having a culture of employees who are energy conscious is a great benefit not only for the organisation but also for the overall health of the planet and to help achieve Welsh Government net zero goals.”
Throughout her apprenticeship, Aminah received support from ACT, particularly her tutor, Michelle Marshall, who provided monthly check-ins and was available for any queries and concerns.
Aminah’s employer also played a crucial role in her success, with bi-weekly meetings dedicated to discussing her progress and addressing any concerns.
Aminah is now embarking on an exciting new role as a Mechanical Compliance Officer within the council. She is eager to apply the skills gained from her apprenticeship to her new position, ensuring that energy efficiency remains a core consideration in her responsibilities. She also plans to further her education by pursuing part-time degree courses.
You can learn more about ACT’s Energy and Carbon Management qualification here.