Five GoFurther Academy software engineers have joined GoCo Group as full-time employees.
This degree-apprenticeship gives Welsh based talent the opportunity to receive a fully paid education and hands-on experience in one of the UK’s biggest tech brands, whilst studying at a Welsh university. Bridging the gap between education and the workplace. Not only does the programme give these new recruits access to higher education totally debt free, but they also receive a competitive salary offering a unique earn-as-you-learn experience.
Newport headquartered GoCompare is proud to be Welsh and sought a Welsh institution for the second cohort of their degree-apprenticeship programme, to ensure this talent is developed entirely in Wales. The five will study BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Software Engineering from the Department of Computer Science, at Swansea University.
The GoFurther Academy is committed to addressing the existing skills gap in industry; beyond this degree-apprenticeship, the GoFurther Academy focuses on training and development for existing GoCompare staff, as part of its vision to find, train and develop the best talent in the UK, and help position South Wales as a tech hotspot.
The five new team members range from 18-30 years old, have a range of experience and will undertake one day a week studying at Swansea University, and four days a week at the GoCompare headquarters in Newport.
Lee Griffin, founder and CEO of GoCompare, said: “I am pleased to announce the next cohort of our GoFurther Academy and believe our significant investment will have long-term benefits for talent development, the economy and the growing tech community in South Wales.
“GoCompare is one of the UK’s most recognised and trusted FinTech brands, continuous investment in our GoFurther Academy is our commitment to helping grow our industry in South Wales, developing the very best talent in the country and creating innovative services to help people everywhere save time and money.”
“It’s exciting to look back at what we’ve achieved since launching the GoFurther Academy 12 months ago; expanding partnerships with colleges, schools and universities have given opportunities to local talent, while continuing to see the benefits of our investment in to the great team we already have at GoCompare.”
Dr Liam O’Reilly, Senior Lecturer, Swansea University said “By working in collaboration with GoCompare, we have been able to offer this exciting Degree Apprenticeship opportunity to five of their trainee Software Engineers. Through such partnerships, our degree apprenticeship programme – designed to meet the growing technology needs of business – helps up-skill individuals to the point where they can provide transformative solutions to their organisations”.
Milly Blenkin, Talent Programme Manager, GoCo Group said
“The GoFurther Academy team are thrilled to welcome our second cohort of degree apprentices to GoCompare.
Our new partnership with Swansea University shows our continued commitment to developing our local talent pool and helps shape and grow the tech community in South Wales”.
