Katie Trembath, Carbon Reduction Officer, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Tomorrow’s Talent award as part of the prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024. This nomination is in recognition of Katie’s hard work and dedication as the Graduate Energy and Carbon Reduction Officer, where she developed several large-scale renewable energy projects as part of the Council’s Carbon Management Plan.
Cllr. Maureen Webber, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Since joining the Council in 2022, Katie has played a key role in managing renewable energy projects to support the Council in becoming a Carbon Neutral Organisation.
“Climate Change effects everyone and it is important that as an organisation we pledge to reach Carbon Neutrality by 2030. The work being completed by Katie and the wider team is vital for us to achieve these environmental aims.
“I wish our graduate Katie all the best for the forthcoming Apprenticeship Awards Cymru in March 2024. The dedication displayed through Katie’s work ethic is exactly what Rhondda Cynon Taf Council looks for in its employees and she is an inspiration to future apprentices and graduates. I am sure she has a successful future ahead of her.”
Katie’s first interaction with the Energy Team was back in 2013 when she completed a work experience placement as part of her secondary education. Katie took an interest to the energy conservation programme and explored this further by studying a part-time degree in Geography and Environmental Science at The Open University. During her studies, she investigated the effects of climate change with a focus on carbon reduction and renewable energy, graduating in 2022.
In June 2022, Katie joined the team as a Graduate Officer where she had the opportunity to study for a Level 4 Project Management qualification, and additional qualifications in NEC4 Contracts and Prince 2 Foundation and Practitioner. She has even supported the recruitment of new apprentices and graduates by volunteering at open days and sharing her experiences.
Within her team, Katie has been involved in a significant number of key initiatives to support the Council’s aim to become a Carbon Neutral organisation, including:
- Supporting the delivery of a project to install a 6-megawatt solar farm to create renewable energy, part of which will power a local health facility.
- Carrying out detailed assessments for the viability of RCT’s hydroelectric schemes, considering connections to Council buildings to allow for direct decarbonisation in line with the Council’s Decarbonisation Strategy.
- Facilitated Net Zero events to raise awareness of Climate Change issues and inform staff about how they can support the Council’s carbon reduction targets.
Additionally, Katie has taken on the role of Support Officer for the Climate Change Working Group and its Subgroups, where she is responsible for coordinating Climate Change response activities, including:
- Rollout of EVC infrastructure.
- Reporting of the Council’s Carbon Footprint.
- Nature activities (e.g., tree planting and peatland restoration).
- Developing the Council’s Local Area Energy Plan.
- Energy efficiency improvements across the Council’s estate.
Katie, Carbon Reduction Officer, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Graduate Energy and Carbon Reductions Officer. Since the beginning of the programme, I have received such great support and mentorship from my manager and the Education, Employment, and Training Team (EETT), who support the apprentice and graduate programmes.
“Since starting with the Council, I feel as though my professional development has grown considerably. The graduate scheme presented several opportunities to develop my skillset and earn qualifications that have been invaluable to my work. I look forward to the future challenges that my new role will present in becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.
“I am honoured to have been nominated for the Tomorrow’s Talent award by my manager and even more pleased to say that I have been selected as a finalist for the 2024 awards.”
These projects are essential for generating renewable energy and reducing the Council’s carbon emissions. These successes have resulted in progression towards the Council meeting the challenging targets outlined in both the Decarbonisation and Climate Change Strategy, contributing towards the Welsh Government’s aim to have a Net Zero Carbon Public Sector by 2030 and the wider Climate Change agenda. As a result of her hard work, Katie has recently secured a permanent position as a Carbon Reduction Officer where she will continue to deliver initiatives to help the Council deliver a Carbon Neutral status.
Katie’s Line Manager, Jon Arroyo ‒ Energy and Carbon Reduction Manager, said: “Katie is great asset to the team; in her new role, she will be working with new and innovative technologies to meet the Net Zero challenge, and contribute to Welsh Government’s mission to become a ‘Globally Responsible Wales.’
“Since Katie began, she has continued to exceed expectations by remaining ahead in her Project Management course and taking on additional responsibilities to ensure the success of renewable energy projects. Katie has demonstrated a professional, confident, and rational approach to overcoming challenges.
“Katie’s commitment to her position is exemplary and plays a vital role in addressing the world’s greatest Climate Change challenge. She truly deserves recognition for all the hard work and dedication she has put in and I wish her all the best for the awards in March 2024. I look forward to seeing her develop in the future.”
Katie is one of hundreds of apprentices and graduates that continue to bring fresh and valuable ideas to the council through good quality and well paid jobs. They are supported by the Education, Employment and Training Team (EETT) who have run the schemes since 2012. To date, EETT has taken on over 500 apprentices and graduates well exceeding their initial commitment. In 2022 the Council pledged to take on a further 150 apprentices and graduates over the next 5 years and since this has taken on 91 apprentices and 30 graduates.
The scheme is extremely successful and sees 78% of apprentices and 70% of graduates staying with RCT following the completion of their two-year programme. We also currently have two previous graduates who are now in Head of Service roles, demonstrating the clear positive results of the programme. The scheme attracts and retains local talent and―as one of the largest employers in the area—plays a major role in the local and Welsh economy.
In 2018 and 2021 Rhondda Cynon Taf won Employer of the Year award at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru for their outstanding Apprenticeship programme.
Every year the Council rolls out its apprentice and graduate vacancies and in 2023 received over 800 applications for over 50 posts, proving the popularity of the scheme. For more information on our apprenticeship and graduate programmes, including details on how and when to apply, please visit our website: https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/JobsandTraining/Jobs/ApprenticeshipsGraduateSchemes/ApprenticeshipSchemeGraduateProgramme.aspx
The Apprenticeships Awards Cymru aims to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals who have contributed to the development of the Welsh Government’s ‘Employability and Apprenticeship Programmes.’ They are organised and funded by the Welsh Government in partnership with the European Social Fund. The Awards have been running since 2017 and have categories covering apprentices, learning providers, and employers who have demonstrated initiative, enterprise, innovation, and creativity.
The learner award categories include Foundation Apprentice of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Higher Apprentice of the Year, and Tomorrow’s Talent. The Tomorrow’s Talent award requires an apprentice to be nominated by their employers.
For more information on the awards and details on how to apply, please visit their website: https://www.gov.wales/apprenticeship-awards-cymru
Posted on 26/10/2023