UWTSD degree apprentice uses skills and expertise to further her career pathway

UWTSD Degree Apprentice Jess Marfell, a Primary Care Manager at Digital Health and Care Wales (DHCW) is using her skills and expertise to further her career.

Jess started her career within the Beauty industry and changed career paths in 2016 to join DHCW as a Tester.

She is currently in her fourth year of study at UWTSD and has recently had a baby, continuing her studies and attending lectures during maternity leave.

Jess credits the university and her employer with being supportive throughout, enabling her to achieve a work/life balance and giving her the opportunity, skills, and confidence to develop.

She said: “I was fortunate to work on many clinical systems including the Welsh laboratory system. I progressed into a Business Support Analyst within the Integration team at DHCW which managed clinical messages throughout Wales.

“This is when the opportunity for the Degree apprenticeship was brought to my attention and I decided to apply for the Data Information System workstream as it was suited to big data and statistical theories.

“Throughout my study I have further progressed my career and had two promotions within the Primary Care team at DHCW. I am starting a new role as a Primary Care Manager to support the management of the IT agenda in Primary care settings throughout Wales.

“I have also continued to study throughout my maternity leave and with family support attended lectures after three weeks off.”

Jess said the degree program has been flexible, and she has gained confidence to learn new technologies.

“It has given me the work life balance and DHCW has supported me throughout,” she added.

“I’ve enjoyed my study and have applied what I have learnt in my career. Gaining knowledge on how to interpret and extract data has meant I have been able to apply this to my Primary Care role and have improved the quality of data within the Welsh Prison system.”

Bridget Moseley, Head of UWTSD’s Apprenticeship Unit said: “The progress that apprentices are making and the impact being made in their work places is exciting to watch. We recognise the immense benefits to both our students and employers that can be achieved through digital degree apprenticeships. They are invaluable for preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for industry – using a combination of expertise to upskill the talent pipeline for employers in Wales and beyond."

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk