APPRENTICESHIP NEWSLETTER UNIT
Q2 2026 EDITION
A MESSAGE FROM MATT APPRENTICESHIP UPDATE
As we move from spring into summer, I would like to thank everyone who contributes to the strength and success of our apprenticeship community.
As we move in to a new era for apprenticeship provision it is important that we cling onto and remain true to the reason we deliver apprenticeships. The newly published UWTSD apprenticeship vision aligned to the university strategic plan sets out our intention.
We have an open door policy to conversations with organisations looking to explore the following;
“UWTSD Apprenticeships will continue to be a National and sector-leading model of inclusive, employer-engaged programs that are environmentally responsible, drive economic prosperity, social mobility, and innovation across the nation and where we have applied expertise.”
The message and voice of our partner employers remains strong and it is clear the need for continued growth in the degree apprenticeship market. Application windows are open and we look forward to working with you all.
I look forward to building on our momentum together as we head into a productive and successful summer period.
Mattherw Wicker Head of Apprenticeships
• Workforce development and upskilling
• Recruitment through apprenticeship pathways
• Progression routes for existing staff
• Tailored training solutions aligned to organisational goals
• Pipeline, succession planning
• Retention
Contact us directly apprenticeships@uwtsd.ac.uk
HERE’S A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
• Spent time with our amazing apprentices and heard their inspiring stories
• Hosted a week long stand filled with cakes, goodies and an open door welcome
• Took over the socials on Online Wednesday, sharing case studies from our team, apprentices and employer partners
• Presented to Hywel Dda team online to support their team to discover apprenticeships
• Presented to a local school to show them different routes to education via apprenticeships
PEOPLE SPOTLIGHT
DR GARETH COLLETT CBE
Dr Gareth Collett CBE has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Institute of Explosives Engineers (IExpE) in February 2026.
The Fellowship recognises his sustained contribution to the explosives engineering profession, his unwavering integrity, and his leadership in advancing apprentices and professional standards.
presenting the
As President of the Institute of Explosives Engineers it is always an honor and privilege to present awards to members, but for me the Honorary Fellowship is perhaps the most important. It is a recognition of a person’s sustained and continuing contribution to the sector from the sector. Without doubt Gareth is a most worthy recipient. His work across the sector and integrity are almost peerless, and his contribution to developing the next generation of explosives engineers will set both them and us up to succeed as we look to reinvigorate the industry.
In
award, IExpE President Martyn Sime said:
MEDR CONSULTATION UPDATE DATES FOR THE DIARY EMPLOYER LIAISON GROUPS (ELGS)
We continue to engage with developments surrounding the Medr consultation and what this means for the future of tertiary education and apprenticeships in Wales.
We remain committed to delivering high quality apprenticeship provision and supporting our learners and employer partners. Apprenticeships remain key to our offer here at UWTSD and continue to work with industry and Welsh Government to provide the most up to date and relevant apprenticeships across the region.
Working closely with Medr we intend to contribute to the shaping of the new funding and regulatory framework for apprenticeships. The new frameworks must ensure a high quality provision, that reach further and engage diverse groups. We have been and will continue to represent our partners and learners in any consultation opportunities.
Our next ELGs will be conducted on teams rather than in person for ease on this round of dates;
CONSTRUCTION
Wednesday 29 April 2026 | 1:30pm - 4:00pm Register Here
DIGITAL
Tuesday 23 June 2026 | 10:00am - 12:00pm Register Here
ELECTRONICS
Thursday 25 June 2026 | 10:00am - 12:00pm Register Here
SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS
Tuesday 30 June 2026 | 9:00am - 11:30am Register Here
ENGINEERING
Wednesday 1 July 2026 | 9:00am - 12:00pm Register Here
If it has been 15 months since you completed your Degree Apprenticeship qualification, you will soon be invited to complete the Graduate Outcomes Survey (open 1st March – 31st May).
Your feedback helps showcase your success and shape future apprenticeship training. Please check your personal or work email for your survey invitation.
FINAL YEAR PROJECT CELEBRATION EVENT
We are excited to announce our upcoming Final Year Project Celebration Event a showcase dedicated to recognising the hard work and achievements of our apprentices;
• Apprentices sharing their personal journeys and project experiences
• An exhibition of final year project posters highlighting innovation and real world application
• Opportunities to connect with employers, mentors and colleagues
We look forward to welcoming colleagues, employer partners and supporters to join us in recognising and celebrating this remarkable achievement
More details to follow soon!