Case Study: Building Future Tech Talent Through Apprenticeships at de Novo Solutions

Case Study: Building Future Tech Talent Through Apprenticeships at de Novo Solutions

Since its founding in 2021, Fintech Wales member de Novo Solutions has focused on supporting the growth of the digital transformation sector by investing in people at the earliest stages of their careers. A key part of this approach is its Graduate and Apprenticeship Programme, developed in partnership with the Welsh Government and the University of South Wales, which combines academic learning with practical, on-the-job experience.

The journey of Brogan Williams, the first apprentice to join the programme, offers a clear example of how this model can benefit both individuals and businesses.

Starting out in tech

After completing a college course and an HND in computing, Brogan was looking for a pathway into the technology sector that would allow him to gain real-world experience alongside formal qualifications. Joining de Novo Solutions at an early stage in the company’s growth provided that opportunity, allowing him to develop his career as the organisation expanded.

As the first apprentice in the business, Brogan has also contributed to shaping the programme itself. Over time, he has taken on additional responsibilities, including mentoring other apprentices and supporting them as they progress through their own learning journeys.

In 2025, he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Digital Technology Solutions from the University of South Wales. Alongside his academic success, he continues to contribute to the programme as a mentor, acts as a Brand Ambassador, and leads on a number of client-facing projects.

Creating value through innovation

During his apprenticeship, Brogan identified an opportunity to improve an internal process linked to Oracle Cloud updates. Previously, the ServiceNow team manually reviewed quarterly updates to determine their relevance for Managed Services clients.

As part of his dissertation project, he developed an automated solution, Value as a Service (VaaS) AI, to streamline this process. The tool not only supported his academic achievement but is now being used within de Novo Solutions, with Brogan continuing to lead its development.

Recognition and impact

Shortly after completing his degree, Brogan was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 FinTech Awards Wales. The award recognised both his contributions to the business and his role in shaping the apprenticeship programme, as well as the impact of the VaaS AI tool.

Reflecting on his experience, Brogan said:

“Being able to work in a real tech environment while studying has been a massive advantage. It’s one thing to learn theory through a degree, but applying that knowledge in a fast-paced, professional setting has taught me so much more than any classroom could.

It’s not just about picking up the individual skills. It’s about learning how everything fits together in the real world: I’ve learned how projects run, how teams collaborate, and how solutions are actually delivered to clients. That kind of experience builds confidence and gives you a much deeper understanding of the industry as a whole.

Apprenticeships are a valuable route into the tech industry, especially in such a fast-paced and constantly-evolving field. I genuinely believe apprenticeships are the way forward for developing the next generation of talent in tech.”

Mark Sweeny, Founder and Group CEO of de Novo Solutions, added:

“We are incredibly proud of Brogan, and it was fantastic to see him collecting his FinTech Awards Wales accolade in front of some of the very best in the country’s technology industry. What a night to remember as you’re starting out in your career!

Giving young people the opportunity to not only secure a job, but also to learn the theory, practical and life skills they need to enjoy a successful career is something I am hugely passionate about. Brogan is a shining example of the benefits of apprentices – not only for the individual themselves, but also for us as a business. His enthusiasm, hard work and innovative approach have undoubtedly benefited de Novo over the past three years, and we are confident he will achieve even bigger and better things as his career progresses.

As our first apprentice Brogan has set the standard for his peers and has cemented our intention to keep expanding the Graduate and Apprenticeship Programme. To be able to introduce people like Brogan to the tech world and then watch as they make a positive impact in our industry is a real honour, and we can’t wait to share many more success stories over the coming years.”