Digital Degree Apprenticeships

Three members of staff from the IT department have benefitted from undertaking Digital Degree Apprenticeships offered by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

With many employers in need of staff with advanced digital skills, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David is offering a solution that benefits both employers and employees.

John Williams, ICT Operations and Governance Manager; Julian Milligan, a Senior Applications Developer and Emma Williams, an ICT Technical Officer have spoken of what they have gained and experienced from their studies.

John said: “My last academic qualification was back in 2002 when I completed a HND in Computer Studies! Even though I work in a senior management role for the Authority, I was eligible to become an Apprentice on the Digital Degree Scheme, which has finally allowed me to top-up my qualification to a degree, fully funded by the Welsh Government! This is something I have pondered doing over the years, and I am pleased I’ve finally done it. The degree course is Cyber Security Management, which although has been challenging elements are highly technical, has and will continue to provide me with a greater understanding and up-to-date knowledge within the field Cyber, which is very relevant to the role I understand within the organisation with responsibility for cyber resilience and governance sitting within my team.”

Emma had not studied for a long time and although studying for a degree can be challenging at times, it is also very rewarding. She added: “The opportunity to be involved in the Digital Degree Apprenticeship has provided me with the confidence and skills that are beneficial to both my professional and personal development. It’s enabled me to step out of my comfort zone, take on new challenges and realise my potential. The up-to-date knowledge and experience I am gaining, is very relevant to my role, and I am able to use it in the workplace.”

Julian added: “Having taught myself coding for a number of years and becoming a junior Web Developer doing the Digital apprenticeship scheme has given me the tools and confidence to move forward in my role, I feel without this I would not have had the position of Senior applications developer. It has also helped me present my project plans in a more professional manner and improve my coding skills.”

Read more from University of Wales Trinity Saint David on how Digital Degree Apprenticeships are addressing Wales’ digital skills shortage.