Gareth Parr, Wipro

Tell us about your background, and why you decided to enrol on this programme?

I’ve spent over 30 years in the IT sector, and for the past 15 years I’ve been an Associate IT Consultant at Wipro. My role primarily involves operational support, change management, and IT development.

I’ve seen real transformation within the industry since beginning my career. I spent a year working at Kodak during my undergraduate studies, when teams still relied on phones, fax machines, and internal email to communicate. My first job at the Department of Health involved installing a PC on each worker’s desk. Now everyone carries a computer that's 10 times more powerful in their pocket!

When I was approached by Wipro about the Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist apprenticeship at Henley Business School, I saw it as an incredible opportunity. I’ve always been technically focused, but I wanted to step back and gain a more strategic perspective; shifting from ‘how’ things work, to ‘why’ we should do them.

This programme offered a skillset that would allow me to transition from the ‘coalface’ of IT towards a more senior, strategic role. I was eager to take on the challenge.

How did you balance studying with your professional responsibilities? 

The structure of the programme, and the work-based teaching methods, really suited my learning style. Guest speakers from different industries shared their insights on emerging technologies like AI. This was invaluable, and reinforced how these innovations aren’t just abstract ideas but have real-world applications across all sectors.

One of the modules that stood out to me focused on aligning IT with business strategy. Initially I found it quite challenging, but in the end, it had the biggest impact on my thinking. In IT, it’s easy to focus on completing one task after another, but this module helped me step back and look at the bigger picture. I feel confident articulating how technology can create value for a business in the long term, and anticipating how the digital landscape might look in one, five or even 10 years.

How did the apprenticeship support your leadership and strategic thinking within your industry, particularly around new technologies and digital innovation?

For my final project, I focused on knowledge management; a crucial yet underutilized area, especially in remote working environments. Many organisations don’t fully understand the benefits of effective knowledge sharing, and my research highlighted how companies could improve collaboration by leveraging knowledge more efficiently.

IT is everywhere, yet when you talk about it, people’s eyes often glaze over. This apprenticeship helped me find ways to communicate the value of IT systems more effectively to different audiences. My work even sparked discussions within Wipro, and the company is now looking at implementing a pilot project to improve knowledge management processes.

What impact has the apprenticeship had on your ability to solve complex problems at your company? 

One of the biggest shifts in my thinking has been around AI and its ethical implications. At Wipro, we take inclusivity very seriously, and as someone who is deaf, I know first-hand how important it is to consider accessibility in technology. AI presents a unique challenge in this regard. While it can enhance inclusivity, it also has the potential to unintentionally exclude certain groups if not implemented thoughtfully.

Another challenge covered during the programme was how automation is reducing human oversight. With fewer people directly involved in processes, there’s a growing risk of losing essential knowledge when systems fail. My project aimed to address these issues and encourage a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

I’ve also become more aware of the environmental impact of AI. The energy consumption required to power large AI models is staggering, and it’s critical to ask: where is the power for these data sets coming from? These are the kinds of strategic questions I now feel more equipped to explore.

What was your best takeaway from the programme? 

It reaffirmed my belief that continuous learning is essential, no matter where you are in your career. Going back to academic study so many years after graduating in 1993 was a big adjustment. My degree was in applied and computational physics, and at that time, I had never engaged with academic journals in the way this apprenticeship required.

Learning to critically analyse information was a steep learning curve, but in the end, it turned out to be one of the most valuable skills I gained. Critical thinking is a life skill that I now use in both my professional and personal life.

It has also made me more open to different perspectives. At work I actively seek out different viewpoints, particularly when it comes to knowledge management. Encouraging collaboration and learning from colleagues has become even more important to me.

What advice would you give to someone starting the programme? 

If you’re given the opportunity to do this programme, take it. There isn’t just one single takeaway - it improves everything, from day-to-day problem-solving, to your overall understanding of IT and business strategy. More than anything, it teaches you to think differently, but within a structured framework that makes it all manageable.

The lecturers at Henley Business School were fantastic. They knew their subject matter inside out and, importantly, they understood how to make the material relevant to a professional audience who may have worked within their specialism for decades.

As someone with a hearing disability, I also appreciated the effort put into making sure I had everything I needed, from good seating arrangements to additional notes. Accessibility in education can sometimes be hit or miss, but in this case, it was handled exceptionally well.

Final thoughts

The Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist apprenticeship has given me a new perspective on IT strategy and leadership. It’s helped me move to beyond the technical details – the ‘nuts and bolts’ of my job - and consider the broader impact of technology on business and society. Whether it’s AI, knowledge management, or new breakthroughs in tech, I now approach both challenges and opportunities with a more strategic mindset.

For any IT or data professionals considering this apprenticeship, I can confidently say that it’s a decision you won’t regret.