Graduate Programme Wales win at the Wales STEM Awards

Dec 16, 2022

Graduate Programme Wales, was announced as the “STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector)” at this year’s 2022 Wales STEM Awards held at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on 27th October.  The category recognises businesses who are addressing the stem diversity gap, the skills shortage and inspiring the next generation.

Graduate Programme Wales is the ESF Priority 2 funded programme managed by the Welsh Contact Centre Forum.  It 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.  It offers two graduate programmes; a two-year financial services programme and a fast-track Data/AI programme which runs for 10 months.

Winners of the 2022 Wales STEM Awards:

  • Innovation in STEM Award – Llusern Scientific Limited
  • STEM Ambassador of the Year – Seb York, CatSci
  • STEM Woman of the Year – Sharan Johnstone, University of South Wales
  • STEM Sustainability Award – Design Reality Limited
  • STEM Start-up of the Year – Think Air
  • STEM Company of the Year (over 50 employees) – CatSci
  • STEM Company of the Year (under 50 employees) – SparkLab Cymru
  • STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector) – Welsh Contact Centre Forum, Graduate Programme Wales
  • STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) – Swansea University, Science for Schools Scheme
  • STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Not-For-Profit Sector) – EESW-STEM Cymru
  • STEM International Company of the Year – Laser Wire Solutions
  • STEM Rising Star of the Year – Charlotte Lewis, Simbec-Orion Group

The Graduate 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.”

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.

Click below to see a short video clip on The Graduate Programme Wales project.  This is a glimpse of an extended ESF Priority 1 and 2 film to follow in the new year.