From Career Change to Cyber Success: UWTSD Degree Apprentice Achieves Senior Analyst Role

University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) graduate Mark Williams, from Whitchurch, Cardiff, has celebrated a major career milestone after completing his BSc in Applied Cyber Security through the university’s Degree Apprenticeship programme – securing a promotion to Senior Cyber Security Analyst.

At just 30 years old, Mark’s journey is a testament to perseverance and lifelong learning. After beginning his career in the NHS, he soon realised his ambition to build a more technical and rewarding future.

“After a few years working in medical records at the University Hospital of Wales, I knew I wanted to do more with my life,” said Mark. “I went back to college to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering while working part-time – it was tough to balance, but I knew I wanted to keep learning.”

After gaining his A Levels, Mark joined Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW), where he discovered UWTSD’s Degree Apprenticeship in Cyber Security. Combining full-time work with university study proved to be the ideal route.

“I’ve always been fascinated by IT and how things work,” Mark explained. “When I started researching cyber security, I was drawn to its investigative side – analysing incidents, testing systems, and solving problems. It was the perfect fit.”

During his studies, Mark was promoted and later joined Velindre University NHS Trust, where he worked under the guidance of a newly appointed Cyber Security Lead. His hands-on experience included managing security events and incidents using Microsoft Defender and Sentinel, as well as designing and running phishing simulations across the organisation – a project that became the focus of his final dissertation.

“The course helped me massively in gaining practical experience and confidence,” said Mark. “It directly contributed to my promotion. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”

Mark credits his success to the balance of theory and practical application on the course, along with the support of his tutors and peers.

“The highlights were definitely the people I met, including the staff, and the hands-on learning with switches, virtual rooms, and Cisco labs,” he said. “UWTSD made it possible for me to turn something I love into a career.”

Now working as a Senior Cyber Security Analyst, Mark continues to build on the skills and experience developed through the Degree Apprenticeship.

“It’s been a long journey – from finding my direction to building a career I’m passionate about. The Degree Apprenticeship at UWTSD was the turning point that made it happen.”

About the UWTSD Degree Apprenticeship Programme

UWTSD’s Degree Apprenticeships in Applied Cyber Security, Software Engineering, and Data Science allow professionals to earn a degree while working in industry. The programmes combine academic study with practical, real-world experience, preparing learners for rewarding careers in the digital sector.

Caption: Mark Williams (left) is pictured with Steve Hole, UWTSD’s Apprentice Liaison Officer.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071