Graduate Programme Wales, an initiative of the Welsh Contact Centre Forum is proud to be amongst the prestigious businesses and individuals shortlisted in the 2022 Wales STEM Awards.
Following the success of the inaugural awards, the Wales STEM Awards is back to shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a difference to the STEM agenda in Wales.
Graduate Programme Wales is one of 34 innovative companies who have been named finalists in this year’s highly anticipated awards, which celebrate those making a difference to, and championing, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) in Wales.
The Programme has been shortlisted in the STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector) category, which recognises businesses who are addressing the stem diversity gap, the skills shortage and inspiring the next generation.
All finalists across the 12 categories will now be considered by an industry-leading panel of judges, with the winners being announced at the awards ceremony at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on 27th October 2022.
Graduate Programme Wales was set up to attract and develop STEM graduates into roles within Data, AI and Financial Services with a view of keeping high calibre talent in Wales.
Managed by the Welsh Contact Centre Forum and part-funded by the European Social Fund, it offers two graduate programmes; a two-year financial services programme and a fast-track data/ai programme which runs for 10 months.
What makes both programmes unique is that not only do graduates gain paid work experience, but they also study for a fully funded post-graduate qualification which has been designed collaboratively with over twenty industry and academia partners.
The employers involved with the Programmes’ include Admiral, Atradius, sa.global, Hodge Bank, Principality Building Society, Opel Vauxhall Finance and Pepper Money and since its inception, 214 graduates have passed through the programme, with an average of 91% securing well paid jobs by the end of their final placement.
Programme Delivery Manager, Caroline Jerrett said: “It’s a pleasure that the Programme is gaining recognition for the work everyone involved has done to raise awareness of a career in STEM to a diverse pool of graduate talent.
Our unique collaboration between industry and education has allowed us to adapt and respond with agility to the ever-changing landscape, to equip STEM graduates with the necessary skills to drive innovation and economic growth and to help close the skills gap that has been impacting businesses.”
Co-founder of the awards Liz Brookes, said: “We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2022 Wales STEM Awards. With the success of the inaugural awards really highlighting the amazing work of the most progressive organisations and individuals at the forefront of STEM innovation in Wales, we’re looking forward to recognising and celebrating those that have done some impressive stuff over the course of this year too!”
Graduate Programme Wales would like to congratulate their fellow nominees and look forward to the ceremony in October.