Member Spotlight: James Walker, Director of Apprenticeships, Manchester Metropolitan University

Introduce yourself

I’m James Walker, Director of Apprenticeships at Manchester Metropolitan University. I lead the strategic development and delivery of our award-winning Degree Apprenticeship programmes, working across disciplines and sectors to create inclusive, high-quality pathways into higher education and employment. With a background spanning retail, local government, and higher education, I bring a cross-sector perspective to shaping policy and practice. I’m passionate about the transformational power of apprenticeships—not just for individuals, but for employers, communities, and the wider economy.

Career highlight

One of my proudest achievements has been helping Manchester Met become a national leader in Degree Apprenticeships. From shaping our institutional strategy to leading audits and quality assurance processes, I’ve worked with brilliant colleagues to scale our provision to over 3,000 apprentices and 700+ employer partners. Seeing the real-world impact—whether it’s a learner progressing in their career or a business growing through talent development—is what drives me.

Name three words that describe your personality

Decisive, collaborative and purposeful.

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

Pro-Manchester creates space for meaningful connections. It brings together people who care about the city’s future—from education and business to health and culture—and helps us collaborate in ways that drive real change.

What are your priorities for 2026?

My priorities for 2026 are rooted in our new Apprenticeships Strategy. We’re focused on expanding our reach and deepening our impact while maintaining the outstanding quality that defines Manchester Met. That means co-designing programmes with employers to meet evolving skills needs, especially in areas like digital, engineering, and sustainability. We’re also investing in flexible delivery models and integrated assessment approaches to enhance learner experience and efficiency. Above all, we’re committed to inclusive practice—removing barriers, widening participation, and ensuring every apprentice thrives.

What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

Manchester is at a pivotal moment. The city’s growth in advanced manufacturing, digital, and health innovation is creating new opportunities—but also new skills challenges. Apprenticeships are key to unlocking inclusive growth, and I’m excited to be part of a university that’s helping shape that future.

Favourite meeting place in Manchester

St Peter’s Square—right in the heart of the city, surrounded by history, energy, and great coffee.

Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

I’d love to connect with businesses that are ready to innovate through apprenticeships—especially those in emerging sectors like AI, green tech, and advanced manufacturing. We’re particularly keen to meet employers who share our values around inclusion and sustainability, and who want to co-create programmes that deliver real impact. Whether you’re an SME looking to grow or a large organisation navigating change, we’re here to help you build talent pipelines that work.

Get In Touch (optional)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07598 421178

LinkedIn: James Walker