Graduate Scheme Takes Off

19 Aug, 2014

Worcester based company playing its part in helping graduates into employment

ISO Quality Services Ltd is an ISO certification company situated just outside of Worcester city centre which has seen substantial growth in recent years as more and more companies realise the importance of these standards. This growth has seen the demands upon the business grow and because of which, the company has sought to take advantage of the grants available through Worcester Business Central for hiring university graduates. In doing so, they have provided fantastic opportunities for two recently graduated students.

The first of their graduates, Rebecca Bennett joined the team in June 2014 as a Graduate Client Relationship Administrator. Due to the increased workload placed upon the company, Rebecca’s role was created to aid the company’s maintenance of its relationship with existing clients. Her responsibilities include the creation, proof reading and sending of documentation to existing clients. Rebecca graduated with a 2.1 LLB Law degree from Oxford Brookes University. Her time at university saw her develop a number of skills such as organisational and team playing skills which she is now able to transfer to her work in industry. When Rebecca was asked as to what was the main draw for working for ISO Quality Services Ltd, she remarked that the company holding strong family values made her feel like everyone at the company was an appreciated member of the team. Since her appointment, Rebecca has excelled within her position and is already an integral part of the company.

The second of the two graduates is Michael Haile who was appointed as Graduate Marketing Executive in August 2014. This again is a newly formed role which will see ISO Quality Services Ltd streamline and co-ordinate its marketing strategy in order to sustain growth for the years to come. Michael attended the University of Worcester and completed his studies earlier this year where he studied for an MSc in Marketing Management. During which time he learnt the importance of combining marketing theory with a critical and analytical approach to management. Upon commencing employment with ISO Quality Services Ltd, he commented: “Having experienced difficulties in gaining employment after my undergraduate degree, I really appreciate the opportunity that I have been given by ISO Quality Services Ltd to be able to show what I am capable of and to start my career in marketing”. Previously graduating with an undergraduate degree in Business Studies and already finding success in Accounting, Michael brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the newly formed role.

From an industry point of view, the Operations Director of ISO Quality Services Ltd, Jennifer Appleton added, “We are delighted to be able to introduce a graduate scheme to our business. The professionalism, knowledge and discipline that they have learnt throughout University has been particularly impressive and both Rebecca and Mike have been able to hit the ground running, already producing excellent standards of work in the short time they have been with us. We are very much looking forward to working alongside each of these graduates in helping them develop and further their respective careers with ISO Quality Services Ltd”.

Graduates can not only provide a wealth of expertise and knowledge but they can also bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas to a company. Furthermore, the role that grants and funding can play in reducing the risks for SME’s in terms of providing opportunities for graduates is invaluable not only to both parties involved but also to the local and national economy. In a time when it has been heavily publicised that there is a “lost generation”, utilising the capabilities that graduates can offer while being part of a recovering economy is very important in ensuring studying at university is maintained as a worthwhile experience. For further information on funding opportunities in Worcestershire please see Worcestershire Business Central.