GO Wales Case Studies

Jonathan Walker who studied a degree and PHD in Chemistry at Cardiff University has recently landed a fantastic work placement at ISCA UK through the GO Wales Graduate Academy. ISCA UK is a manufacturer of specialist chemicals and polymers for personal care.

Jonathan recently took part in our GO Wales Graduate Academy. As part of the Graduate Academy he was required to take part in a work taster, ISCA were extremely impressed with Jonathan’s work and decided to extend his contract. Jonathan explains how his experience has helped him with his future career.

"I took part in the graduate academy where I learned and developed key skills that is needed within the working world. I took part in regular presentations, group exercises and tasks which boosted my confidence greatly. As part of the graduate academy I took part in a placement at ISCA UK. The placement has given me a huge amount of independence and support. I have been able to gain experience in a laboratory and have had the experience of seeing specific projects from start to finish. I feel this experience has given me a competitive edge when applying for jobs and I definitely feel equipped to start a job in this field."

"Overall from taking part in the Graduate Academy and moving into a work placement I have gained invaluable experience which I would never have got if it wasn’t for the opportunity GO Wales has given me. I also have an Institute of Leadership and Management, level 5 qualification which has given me a better understanding of how a working environment functions realistically.  I have made fantastic friends throughout the Graduate Academy and we all still keep in touch regularly, we formed a strong bond throughout the course and helped each other with our projects.”

Antony Hudson from ISCA said; "from having a graduate work placement you are able to see what a graduate could bring to a company and it also gives both the organisation and the graduate a mutual benefit. I would strongly recommend organisations take part in the work placement process especially if an organisation has a specific project that needs to be completed. We have had a few graduates through the GO Wales placement scheme and still keep in contact with all of them. We have really benefited from having a fresh perspective in the workplace and due to our specific line of work we have been able to employ highly qualified graduates like Jonathan who have been fantastic to work with".