GoCompare will launch its new GoFurther Academy at Digital Festival

The scheme, which will officially launch at Digital Festival Cardiff tomorrow, will see the Welsh fintech brand offer a range of opportunities for talent in the area in addition to significant investment in skills training for staff through a GoFurther Academy.

The GoFurther Academy is comprises five main initiatives:

GoCompare sponsored degrees

This year, GoCompare partnered with Aston University to create a tech degree-apprenticeship, which will give students the opportunity to receive a fully paid for education and hands-on experience in one of the UK’s biggest tech brands. Not only does the programme give students access to higher education totally debt free, but also will pay a competitive salary offering a unique earn-as-you-learn experience.

Successful applicants will undertake an initial seven-week, full-time bootcamp with Aston University before starting an apprenticeship in GoCompare’s industry-leading tech team, continuing their studies through a mixture of distance and classroom learning.

In addition to the pilot scheme with Aston University, the GoFurther Academy will also explore other opportunities with universities and colleges in South Wales and the rest of the UK, to identify skills gaps, such as SEO, and provide sponsored degree programmes to create centres of excellence.

Internship opportunities

GoCompare will be opening up internship opportunities for students and graduates in South Wales.

GoCompare will be searching for an intern at Digital Festival in Cardiff next week, offering candidates a chance to land a fully paid data science internship at the fintech company.

The successful candidate will work with cutting edge technology alongside some of the most innovative minds in the industry and gain invaluable experience of working with one of the UK’s biggest brands.

Further internship opportunities will be revealed throughout the year.

Work placements and experience initiatives

In addition to the degree programmes and internships offer by the scheme, The GoFurther Academy will also see GoCompare look to partner with local schools and programmes such as GoWales to offer work experience opportunities through on-site placements at GoCompare’s head offices in Newport and industry days in schools.

Staff development

Finally, the GoFurther Academy will also focus on training and development for existing GoCompare staff, as part of its vision to find, train and develop the best talent in the UK, and help position South Wales as a tech hotspot.

The GoFurther Academy will offer a suite of opportunities including, but not limited to; industry training courses, sponsored professional qualifications, sponsored degrees and on-site skills training.

This is in addition to a robust benefits package with includes; private medical care, flexible working hours, subsidised on-site fitness activities, counselling and mental wellness initiatives and to up nine months of maternity leave, shared parental leave or adoption leave at full pay.

Lee Griffin, founder and president GoCompare, said: “I couldn’t be happier to announce the launch of the GoFurther Academy and believe our significant investment will have long-term benefits for talent development, the economy and the growing tech community in South Wales.

“GoCompare is one of the UK’s most recognised and trusted Fintech brands, the launch of the GoFurther Academy is our commitment to helping grow our industry in South Wales, develop the very best talent in the country and create innovative services to help people everywhere save time and money.”

“Over the following months our hope is to expand our partnerships with colleges, schools and universities in South Wales to give opportunities to local talent, while continuing to invest in the great team we already have at GoCompare.”