From Degree Apprentice to Digital Transformation Leader: UWTSD Graduate Sam Jackson’s Success Story

At just 25 years old, University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Digital Degree Apprentice Sam Jackson is now the Power Platform Manager at Velindre University NHS Trust, where he leads the development of scalable and secure digital Power Platform solutions across the Trust and in collaboration with NHS Wales.

Sam has combined full-time work in the NHS with academic study to achieve career progression and professional recognition.

Sam joined UWTSD’s  BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship in Applied Software Engineering (Cloud Computing pathway) in 2020, while already working in NHS Wales. For him, the programme offered the perfect balance between academic study and workplace application.

“I was looking for a way to build on my practical experience with a qualification that supported my career goals,” said Sam, who is based in Cardiff. “The course offered a flexible and relevant route to do just that. One of the biggest highlights was seeing how the theory connected directly to my work. I remember being asked technical questions during an IT upgrade and realising I could answer confidently thanks to what I’d learned in my modules.”

Sam’s motivation for joining the programme was clear: to strengthen his technical expertise while developing the leadership and problem-solving skills needed to become a strategic leader in digital transformation.

The Degree Apprenticeship allowed him to:

• Apply new skills immediately in his NHS role
• Grow into positions where he could influence digital strategy
• Build the confidence and credibility needed to progress to management level

“Professionally, the course gave me the tools to take on more strategic roles and played a part in securing my promotion to Power Platform Manager,” Sam explained. “Personally, it encouraged me to keep learning and to consider further academic opportunities in the future.”

Looking ahead, Sam plans to continue his academic journey alongside his professional role, furthering his expertise in digital transformation.

Matthew Wicker, Head of the University’s Degree Apprenticeship Unit said: “Sam’s journey is a fantastic example of how our Degree Apprenticeship programmes can transform careers. By blending academic study with real-world application, apprentices like Sam are not only gaining qualifications but also making an immediate impact in their industries.”

Pic caption: Sam Jackson is pictured with UWTSD Apprentice Liaison Officer Steve Hole.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

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