DSW, has appointed digital apprenticeship expert Stuart O’Rourke as Digital & Technology Sector Lead to help employers and training providers develop the digital workforce skills needed to meet future demand. Stuart will report to Jake Tween, Director of Apprenticeships and joins DSW on 6th July.
Digital capability is now a strategic priority for organisations across every sector. As employers continue to invest in workforce skills to improve productivity, embrace new technologies and address skills shortages, apprenticeships are playing an increasingly important role in developing talent at every level. This presents a significant opportunity for DSW to expand its presence in the market and further strengthen its position as a trusted partner for employers and training providers.
The appointment comes as apprenticeship assessment continues to evolve, with employers and providers seeking experienced partners that can respond quickly to changing standards and growing demand for digital skills.
To support this ambition, DSW has created a specialist leadership role focused on developing its digital and technology portfolio and strengthening its capability in the sector. Stuart brings specialist expertise and experience to the organisation, representing an important investment in DSW’s future growth.
Many in the sector will already know Stuart through his previous roles in the industry, including his time at Kaplan, where he was Deputy Head of Quality. He brings extensive operational, commercial and sector expertise gained over many years in the digital and technology apprenticeship market. Stuart also played a key role in the development of some of the original digital apprenticeship standards, including the Level 3 Information Communications Technician Trailblazer, helping to shape the early direction of digital apprenticeships. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with sector bodies, including the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), and has built a strong reputation for developing provision, strengthening employer and provider partnerships, identifying growth opportunities and supporting high-quality apprenticeship delivery.
In his new role, Stuart will work across all areas of the business to help ensure DSW continues to develop relevant, high-quality solutions that meet employer and provider needs. He will also support the identification of emerging trends, the strengthening of strategic partnerships, and business development activity across the digital and technology sector.
Stuart O’Rourke, Digital & Technology Sector Lead at DSW, commented:
“I’ve been involved in digital apprenticeships since the early Trailblazer programme and have seen first-hand how the sector has evolved. Digital skills continue to transform every industry, and employers need apprenticeship programmes that can keep pace with that change. I’m excited to be joining DSW at such an important time for the sector and to work with providers, employers and colleagues to continue building a high-quality digital and technology offer that delivers real value.”
Dave Pearson, CEO of DSW, further added:
” Employers are looking for practical ways to build the digital capability of their workforce, and apprenticeships have become an increasingly important part of that solution. Stuart’s experience, insight and relationships across the sector will help us continue supporting employers and providers to develop the skills organisations need to thrive.”
Stuart’s appointment forms part of DSW’s wider strategy to expand its presence in the digital and technology sector and support employers and training providers as they respond to evolving apprenticeship assessment arrangements. By investing in specialist expertise and deep sector knowledge, DSW aims to ensure customers have a trusted partner capable of delivering high-quality assessment solutions in one of the UK’s fastest-growing skills markets.