"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, whilst continuing see the benefits of our investment in the great team we already have at GoCo Group."
Alex Currie, VP of People and Talent, GoCo Group plc
Welcome to the class of 2019
This year the GoFurther Academy partnered with Swansea University to provide the degree portion of our degree apprenticeship. Swansea University, the top-ranked university in Wales in the Times University of the Year 2019, boasts the latest high-quality teaching and research equipment in a brand new £32.5m Computational Foundry.
We had an overwhelming response to our advertisement for our second year of degree apprentices, with close to 200 applications for five spaces. After interviewing 40 shortlisted candidates, we worked with Swansea University to whittle it down to our class of 2019.
Fran
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am originally from Italy and I’ve been living in the UK for five years. I came to the UK to do a master’s degree in Politics, Media and Performance at Aberystwyth University, after completing a bachelor degree in what is known in Italy as Modern Letters.
My first thoughts were: “I am definitely too old, and I don’t have the right background to get this position!” I was slightly intimidated because of my background and lack of conventional training.
I gained a great deal of confidence in my ability to show my commitment and enthusiasm. I feel that, more than ever before, I have been able to communicate the things that are important to me. Starting this course and this journey also means that I can concentrate on building knowledge on an everyday basis without too many distractions. Being able to work with what you are studying is a great privilege, and as someone who has always funded her studies with jobs that were unrelated to the subjects studied, this route gives you a great advantage!
The difference between a company that goes forward and one that stays behind is believing and scouting talent. In the first week we were made aware of all the steps that the Company takes to make sure its employees are happy, stimulated and well trained on any aspect of the fast-growing technology that makes the business thrive.
Benjamin
What were your thoughts when you first heard about the opportunity?
I had just started my second year of A-Levels when I first heard about the opportunity. Everyone in my Sixth Form was applying to university and there was an overall focus on the students being fed to universities.
I had never been fussed about furthering my education through the traditional university route (due to the debt incurred, no workplace skills and no regular income) but at the time it didn’t feel like there were many other options available. I started applying for higher apprenticeships, but degree apprenticeships seemed hard to come by
When I saw that GoCompare was advertising a degree apprenticeship I saw it as a great opportunity to start my career in software development.
My main ambition over the last few years, was to get on a program like this. Better yet at a company like GoCompare – which gives its staff a huge amount of support from day one. To me, it means that I can focus on working towards getting my degree whilst also learning invaluable workplace skills and getting myself ready for a kickstarted career.
Having gone through numerous recruitment processes, seeing what qualifications were at hand, what the Company itself offered to my individual growth and development, and doing some research, I chose GoCompare because I felt it was the company in which I would benefit most as an individual whilst also feeling valued in my role. I also felt that GoCompare had more to offer than just the competitive salary and benefits pack which made the decision a no-brainer.
Jamie Pine
Junior Cyber Security Engineer
Jamie Pine started 2019 on our first cyber security internship through the GoFurther Academy to complement his undergraduate studies exploring the world of cyber. Jamie’s keen interest in finding out, and applying, how businesses combat cyber security issues led him from intern to a full-time role at GoCompare.
Emma Coombes
Legal Assistant
How long have you worked at GoCompare?
I’ve worked at GoCompare for three years. I started as a Customer Service and Complaints Assistant, which I did for two years. Then I became a Business Service Advisor, where I concentrated on obtaining quality and accurate data from our insurance partners. This year I moved to the legal team as a Legal Assistant.
I really enjoyed law as a subject in school, when an incident occurred whereby I felt justice was not done. This made me want to learn about the English and Welsh legal system more and gave me the utmost respect for the law.
Reading law can be difficult and complex, which is why I love it! I like the challenge of figuring out the true meaning intended.
I felt very supported by GoCompare to study whilst working. The flexible working policy meant I could go to the University of South Wales one day a week to complete the Legal Practice Course. My manager was very supportive, especially when it came to exam periods and I needed to take various days as annual leave or change my university day off.
The VP of Governance provided mentoring to me during my studies. I am proud to have qualified whilst working at GoCompare. I am grateful they encouraged and supported my ambition to become a solicitor.
Both my manager and the VP of Governance were very supportive of my move to the legal team. The transition was made easier as it was gradual. I trained someone to complete my role in customer services whilst starting to attend legal team meetings. This made my move over that bit smoother as I already felt included.
GoCompare has been a great company to work for so it would have been very hard to leave! The fact I can gain the experience in the field I want to go into and stay within the Company is more than I could have hoped for. I’m very grateful to have been given such a fantastic opportunity and to gain such invaluable experience.
