To mark National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating learners who are using apprenticeships to develop their skills, strengthen their organisations, and make a real-world impact. One of those learners is Craig Milgate-Hewer, Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Training at Cardiff Bus, who is currently completing the Energy and Carbon Management Level 3 Apprenticeship with Educ8 Training.
Bridging health, safety, and sustainability at Cardiff Bus
Craig has worked at Cardiff Bus for over five years, initially joining as a Training Manager before progressing into his current senior leadership role. Today, he oversees health and safety, facilities and environment, training and development, and compliance and governance, including ISO audits.
As sustainability has become a growing priority across the organisation, Craig’s role has naturally evolved. He noted that 50% of his work streams link into most sustainability actions and activity, and recognising this means that Craig wanted to build formal knowledge. Recognising this shift, Craig wanted to build formal knowledge in energy and carbon management to support Cardiff Bus’ long-term environmental goals.
Upskilling for a low-carbon future
Craig’s journey highlights an important message during National Apprenticeship Week: apprenticeships aren’t just for people starting out in their careers.
Despite already holding several higher-level qualifications, Craig chose the Energy and Carbon Management Level 3 Apprenticeship because of its practical, work-based approach, as he has always preferred the NVQ route.
The apprenticeship allows Craig to continue leading at a senior level while developing specialist sustainability knowledge that benefits both him and the organisation.
Practical learning with real-world impact
Educ8 Training is an established learning partner of Cardiff Bus, and Craig had previously completed resilience and emotional intelligence training with us before enrolling on the apprenticeship. Those programmes were tailored to the organisation’s values, helping the learning feel relevant from day one.
Throughout the apprenticeship, Craig is supported by his Educ8 Training trainer coach, Gavin Anthony, who ensures the learning aligns with real workplace challenges and sustainability priorities.
“I find his knowledge outstanding,” Craig says.
Turning knowledge into sustainable action
As Craig works through his Energy and Carbon Management qualification, he’s already putting what he’s learning into practice with real projects at Cardiff Bus.
For instance, he and his team recently got solar panels installed at the office, another great step towards cutting their carbon footprint. The apprenticeship is helping him bring more structure and clarity to how they plan and manage environmental initiatives.
Craig is also excited about using his new skills to create a detailed net-zero plan for Cardiff Bus. This plan will be key in guiding the company’s future steps towards sustainability and making sure they’re doing their bit to reduce emissions. By weaving sustainability into the everyday running of the business, Craig is helping Cardiff Bus make progress towards a greener future.
Celebrating apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week
Craig’s story is a great example of how apprenticeships support lifelong learning, leadership development, and organisational change. During National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to celebrate learners like Craig and the positive impact apprenticeships have across all sectors.
Looking ahead, Craig is keen to continue developing his skills and is interested in future higher-level sustainability qualifications, and here at Educ8 Training we’re committed to supporting individuals like Craig and employers like Cardiff Bus to develop the skills needed for a more sustainable future.
‘I am an eternal student,’ Craig says about his experience with Educ8 Training. “If I’ve got a course underway, it’s a way for me to find that balance and build confidence in my role.’
If you’re considering making a real impact with your career, click here, and we’ll be in touch.
