Professional Development

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships provide an effective means for upskilling staff through professional growth and offer structured, funded learning, tailored to individual and organisational needs.

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Supply chain employees

Our approach to apprenticeships is different to most providers. We look at what an individual or organisation needs to build skills, gain applied knowledge and develop behaviours at the right level they work at and contribute effectively to their organisations.


Our Apprenticeship Offer

  • Aimed at middle managers, this programme enhances leadership skills and strategic thinking over 18-21 months, culminating in an ILM Level 5 Diploma and NVQ Diploma in Management. Level 3 and 4 apprenticeships are available as in house bespoke courses. We will work with you to help your organisation develop staff in the areas you need.

  • Available at Levels 3 and 5, these programmes focus on operational roles and strategic management in supply chain activities, with a duration of 12-18 months for Level 3 and typically 18 months for Level 5.

  • This programme is designed for aspiring project managers, covering key areas like project planning and stakeholder engagement, with a commitment of 21 to 24 months.

  • Level 3 and Level 4 where you would attend a virtual classroom based Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) over a 15 month period and complete a competency portfolio alongside it.


LEARNER BENEFITS

Our learners build real-world skills that are practical, hands-on, and directly applicable to their day-to-day roles. These include vital technical capabilities such as project management, financial planning and budgeting, and change management, among others. Because these skills are developed within the context of their actual work environment, learners are able to make immediate contributions to their teams and organisations, solving real problems and delivering measurable value.

In addition to technical knowledge, our programmes emphasise the development of essential soft skills. These include teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, as well as leadership skills like motivating others and managing team dynamics. These attributes are crucial in today’s fast-paced work environments and help individuals navigate challenges, collaborate effectively, and inspire those around them. By strengthening these capabilities, learners become well-rounded professionals who can lead with confidence and clarity.

Our apprentices gain the confidence to apply what they’ve learned to real-world scenarios. They don’t just acquire knowledge - they learn how to translate it into action. Whether it's implementing best practice frameworks, leading a change initiative, or improving an internal process, learners are encouraged to test and refine their skills in live situations. This applied learning approach not only builds self-assurance but also ensures that learning outcomes have a direct, visible impact on the business.

Many of our learners go on to make substantial improvements within their organisations. From streamlining processes to mentoring others, they play a key role in driving performance and fostering innovation. This often leads to internal progression, with learners stepping into more senior roles. As a result, organisations benefit from a strong succession pipeline - staff who are already embedded in the business, who understand its values, and who are equipped to lead its future growth.

Our apprenticeship programmes lead to a recognised professional qualification. This formal accreditation not only validates the learner’s knowledge and skills but also adds value to their career prospects. For employers, it offers assurance of quality and consistency, knowing their staff are trained to industry standards. For individuals, it provides a sense of achievement and a solid foundation for future professional development.

"The apprenticeship allowed me to not just learn the skills, but other knowledge behind the skills as well. So if something went wrong, I knew how to deal with it. The apprenticeship gave me the total skillset I needed." - Kevin Williams, Supply Chain Management Apprentice


Employer benefits

Employers can have full confidence in the structure and quality of our apprenticeship programmes, which are designed and delivered by a vocationally focused and highly reputable university. Our programmes meet rigorous academic and industry standards, combining theoretical understanding with practical application. This structured, quality-assured approach ensures that learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to make a meaningful impact in the workplace—right from the start.

Our apprenticeships are delivered by highly qualified and experienced professionals who bring industry insight and academic expertise into the learning experience. This enhances the credibility of the programme and ensures that content is both relevant and practical. Employers can be assured that their staff are being trained by people who understand the challenges of the sector, providing a level of assurance and professional integrity that adds significant value to the apprenticeship experience.

Our programmes are designed to support long-term organisational growth by developing internal talent and building robust leadership pipelines. Apprentices gain the capabilities to step into more senior roles, often progressing within the organisation as a result of their learning. This approach enables businesses to invest in and retain their people, reducing recruitment costs and strengthening succession planning with leaders who already understand the business from the inside out.

Employers regularly see measurable improvements in operational efficiency when engaging with our apprenticeship programmes. Learners are encouraged to apply problem-solving techniques, streamline processes, and identify opportunities for improvement within their roles. These practical interventions often lead to reduced costs, time savings, and enhanced productivity, delivering real value back into the organisation.

Our apprenticeships go beyond leadership development. They provide strategic knowledge and consistent approaches across critical functions including Procurement and Supply, Project Management, and Change Management. By upskilling staff in these areas, employers gain a workforce that can think and act more strategically, implement best practice, and drive consistency across projects and teams - supporting broader organisational goals.

We understand the operational demands businesses face, which is why our apprenticeship delivery model is designed with flexibility in mind. Programmes can be tailored in terms of format, schedule, and mode of delivery to suit the needs of the organisation and the learner. Whether you have staff working remotely, in multiple locations, or across shift patterns, our delivery ensures minimal disruption and maximum engagement.

Unlike many forms of training, our apprenticeship model delivers an immediate return on investment. Learners apply new knowledge and skills from the outset, often leading to tangible improvements in their performance and contribution to the business. From greater confidence in decision-making to improved team leadership and operational enhancements, the impact is real, relevant, and aligned with business priorities.

Get in touch

Get in touch with our Professional Development team to explore how our apprenticeships can support your workforce, build future leaders, and deliver real impact for your organisation.

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Three Core Components

Core Components

All Welsh framework apprenticeships consist of three core components: a Technical Certificate for theoretical knowledge, a Competency Qualification for practical skills, and Essential Skills qualifications for core transferable skills.

Technical Certificate

This element provides the theoretical knowledge and understanding required for the role. It’s delivered through structured learning sessions and assessed through assignments or exams.

Competency Qualification (NVQ)

Learners demonstrate their ability to perform in their job role through real-world tasks and evidence collection. This element is assessed in the workplace by a qualified assessor.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

These qualifications in Communication, Application of Number, and Digital Literacy ensure learners have the core transferable skills needed across all sectors. They are contextualised to the learner’s role and assessed through practical tasks and online tests.

SINCE STARTING THE APPRENTICESHIP I'VE BEEN GIVEN NEW MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES THAT I DIDN'T PREVIOUSLY HAVE.

USW Apprentice