Welcome to our first newsletter of 2022

We’ve had a great start to the year, both programme’s are up and running and both our financial services and data graduates are doing brilliantly in their placements and their studies.

In January we welcomed 14 STEM graduates to the Data/AI Fast Track Programme. They all successfully completed an intense, 4-week bootcamp run by Rebecca Peters and the team at University of South Wales and are now settled in their employer placements.

Our Financial Services Graduates are nearing the end of their first employer placement and have completed a number of key modules for their MSc with excellent results.

It was fantastic to see everyone together at our recent Rotation 2 event which was held at Tramshed Tech. After so many virtual events, it was great to see the enthusiasm of everyone in a room together and I know both our grads and employers found it hugely beneficial to discuss the next placement options face to face.

It was interesting to see the diversity of working models across the consortium with many now adopting a hybrid model as well as prioritising mental health through team building and real focus on organisational culture.

Another significant live event which happened just last week was the Graduation Ceremony for our 2019-2021 graduates. The International Convention Centre Wales provided an impressive backdrop for the event, and it was great to see our graduates get their moment after what had been a challenging two years.

The Programme itself has seen a restructure, with Programme Manager Rowena Morgan leaving earlier this month. We were sad to see her go but wish her every success in her new role.

I am really pleased to announce that Caroline Jerrett will be joining the Programme as a permanent member of the WCCF team from 1^st April in the role of Programme Delivery Manager. Find out more about Caroline and what her role will entail in her spotlight piece.

Finally, we’ve recently launched the recruitment campaign for the next Fast Track Data/AI Programme and have already received almost 100 applications. We are looking for 18 inquisitive graduates who are passionate about using innovative, analytical methods to solve problems. Feel free to share the application details with your networks (found here).

We are always on the look out for innovative, forward-thinking companies to join our consortium so if you know of any businesses looking to benefit from graduate talent, please connect us.

And with that, I hope you enjoy our latest updates!

Sandra Busby
Managing Director, Welsh Contact Centre Forum