Funded by the Welsh Government and European Social Fund, GO Wales is delivered by each University in Wales. The project supports students and graduates to find work experience whilst enabling local businesses to access the higher level skills of students and graduates through a range of work experience initiatives, often leading to permanent positions for the individuals.

The Swansea event forms part of a wider celebration across the country to recognise businesses that have taken part in the scheme during the past ten years and was collaboration between Swansea University, Swansea Metropolitan University and IT Wales.

Nine businesses were shortlisted for awards under three categories; Best Employers, Judges’ Prize and Personal Achievement.

Wolfestone Translation won the award for Best Employer; the Swansea based language service provider has recruited eighteen graduates for work placements through the GO Wales scheme.  The company has retained a large proportion of the staff of which they are extremely proud; ten of the graduates remain employed with the company today. 

Arek Estall, Marketing Manager at Wolfestone Translation said;

“We are extremely proud of being part of the development and success of the graduates that have been with us over the years. There is no better accolade for the successes of GO Wales and of Wolfestone, than to see these graduates, that we have both guided, thrive in the commercial world.”

NPT Homes was awarded the Judges’ prize for their commitment to high quality work experience opportunities. As a growing organisation, NPT Homes has been in a unique position to offer a high volume of graduate opportunities since engaging with GO Wales in September 2011.  

The organisation has offered invaluable opportunities for graduates to use their skills and knowledge in a practical work environment.  Each department involved has given the graduates specific projects to work on, maximising the experience they gain during their work placements.

Catherine Pearce Head of HR at NPT Homes said;

 “All of the graduates we employed have added value to the organisation in the specific areas in which they work.   Five of the ten graduates have since gone on to the secure fixed term contracts and one has secured a permanent contract.  We see this as a great success.”

Jayne Smith from business consultancy CIOTEK picked up the award for ‘Outstanding Personal Achievement’, Jayne was employed by CIOTEK Ltd in June 2003 on a 10 week GO Wales work placement.  

As a result of her placement Jayne was employed on a full time basis, and within two years became the Director of the Company based on her drive, commitment and loyalty to the organisation.  

“The opportunities that have been presented to me have undoubtedly given me confidence and enhanced my future” said Jayne.

“I was given the opportunity to gain quality experience with a credible organisation, which gave me the chance to prove my worth, having been in full time education for a long period.”

Certificates were presented to businesses that were highly commended on the day including; ITV Wales, Vibe TV, Ceramiks Ltd, Welsh Air Ambulance and Celtic Financial Planning Ltd.

Engineering graduate Curtis Pope was highly commended for the ‘Graduate Achiever’ Award.

• GO Wales makes it possible for students and graduates to develop their careers in Wales through quality work experience and training opportunities with businesses.
• The project contributes significantly to the development of a knowledge economy in Wales; businesses have access to higher level skills and fresh ideas to support growth and development.
• Managed by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) the project is delivered by University Careers Services in Wales.
•  GO Wales receives funding from the Welsh Government and the European Social Fund (ESF).
• GO Wales website - www.gowales.co.uk

For further press enquiries, please contact Crystal Evans, GO Wales Marketing Officer on 01792 295857 or email c.b.evans@swan.ac.uk