National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Wales’ apprenticeships in focus

As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 highlights career pathways that combine learning with real-world experience, organisations across Wales are showcasing the impact of cyber and technology apprenticeships. From degree apprenticeships with universities and colleges to employer-led vocational schemes, apprenticeships help learners gain qualifications, skills and meaningful employment in the digital sector. CyberFirst Wales supports these diverse pathways, which increase access into the cyber and tech workforce for learners at every stage. Here, we look at how some of the institutions, organisations, and people we work with are embracing and adapting to these new approaches to skills and qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships at the University of South Wales 

A key pathway gaining traction this year is the degree apprenticeship programme at the University of South Wales (USW). These apprenticeships allow students to earn a salary while studying for a degree, combining work-based learning with part-time academic study. This process equips apprentices with industry-relevant skills and qualifications, including specialised routes such as the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions: Cyber Security pathway. 

According to USW, apprentices benefit from real-world experience under the guidance of partner employers and dedicated academic support, with tuition fees funded through Welsh Government and employer support. 

Degree Apprenticeships and Training with Coleg Cambria and Technocamps 

A growing area of opportunity in Wales is degree apprenticeships that allow learners to earn while they learn, gaining university-level qualifications alongside hands-on experience. Organisations such as Technocamps with its business arm Institute of Coding  and Coleg Cambria are playing a key role in expanding these pathways highlighting the need and accessibility across Wales. 

Technocamps/Institute of Coding offers a BSc (Hons) degree apprenticeship in Applied Software Engineering delivered in partnership with Swansea University. The programme combines academic learning with workplace application, enabling apprentices to apply new knowledge directly in their roles while they study. The apprenticeship is fully funded and helps learners develop industry-relevant software and digital skills, including elements of computer security and development.

Alongside degree programmes, Coleg Cambria provides a broad Digital Technologies, Computing & IT apprenticeship suite ranging from Levels 2 and 3 through to higher apprenticeship and degree level options. These include degree apprenticeships in areas such as Applied Cyber Security, Applied Data Science and Applied Software Engineering, delivered partly at the college’s Yale site, with the learner attending work rest of the time. These programmes combine work-based assessment with academic study, preparing learners with practical and theoretical skills that reflect evolving industry needs.

Coleg Cambria’s digital pathways emphasise that apprenticeships help learners earn while they develop skills, gain recognised qualifications and prepare for future employment across Wales’ digital economy.

Industry Perspectives: Skills and Outcomes

Employers across Wales and the UK continue to highlight the value of vocational cyber apprenticeships in developing practical skills while strengthening early talent pipelines into the security profession.

At CSG, apprenticeships provide a vocational route into cyber and IT roles through the Apprenticeship in IT and Telecoms Professionals with a Cyber Security Pathway. Apprentices work towards a Diploma in IT and Telecoms Professional Pathways alongside an NVQ Level 3 National Standard Certificate in Computing, gaining hands-on experience while developing transferable technical skills.

“We deeply value our apprenticeships and take the time to understand how each individual learns, ensuring they gain the most from their time with us.”

Matthew Bater, Managing Director at CSG

The scheme is designed to be accessible, with applicants not required to have prior IT experience, provided they meet standard qualification requirements such as GCSEs in Maths and English. CSG reports that seven apprentices have completed the programme so far, with around eight former apprentices progressing into full-time roles within the organisation. Others have moved on to roles with organisations such as South Wales Police.

Public sector organisations are also using vocational cyber apprenticeships to build skills and widen participation. At the Office for National Statistics (ONS), apprentices earn while working towards a Level 3 qualification in cyber security, gaining exposure to real-world cyber security incidents and increasing experience over time. ONS also partners with CyberFirst to help develop an early and diverse cyber talent pipeline.

“Being paid to gain a Level 3 qualification in cyber security while working on real-world incidents helps apprentices build experience day by day.”

Jack, CyberIncident Response, ONS

At PureCyber, apprenticeships play an important role in strengthening workplace culture and developing future talent. The organisation recently welcomed its first apprentice into the People team, where they are studying for a CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice while gaining hands-on experience in a live business environment. This approach reflects PureCyber’s commitment to flexible career pathways and highlights the vital role that HR and people functions play in attracting, supporting and retaining talent, while creating clear routes into long-term employment and progression.

“Every day feels like a chance to build confidence, gain experience, and develop professionally. I’ve been trusted with real responsibilities and made to feel like a valued part of the team from day one.”

Naomi, People Assistant Apprentice, PureCyber

Apprenticeship Impact Across Wales 

National Apprenticeship Week highlights how degree apprenticeships from universities and colleges and employer-led schemes all contribute to a diverse apprenticeship ecosystem in Wales. 

These programmes help widen access to cyber and tech careers, support lifelong learning, and ensure that the next generation of digital professionals has multiple avenues to build skills, gain qualifications and enter meaningful employment. 

The Welsh Government supports apprenticeships across Wales through funded programmes from entry level to degree apprenticeships, helping learners earn while they learn and reducing costs for employers. This investment supports priority sectors such as digital and cyber security, while widening access to high-quality training and progression opportunities. Employers and learners can find out more about eligibility and current funding opportunities via Welsh Government and Careers Wales.

CyberFirst Wales continues to support and promote these pathways, helping learners and employers connect across the region’s expanding digital economy.