Has either of the two graduates developed a new product or service, or introduced something into a new sector? Basically, have they done anything showing innovation?

Both graduates have been involved in innovative development.

George has extended the range of Scapa’s software solutions by developing enhancements to our core test editor, as well as developing ’agents’ which provide valuable interoperability with both Perfmon and Citrix Resource Manager.

Nathan is developing new reporting tools which provide sophisticated performance analysis across a very large distributed hardware environment for a specific customer.

If yes (hopefully) what effect has that had on the business?

In George’s case, his work has considerably enhanced Scapa’s ability to address general technical issues, and thereby to negotiate specific deals as well as bolster Scapa’s position as a contributer to an important, Eclipse based open-source project called Hyades.

Nathan’s work has been addressed at a the requirements of a specific customer, and as such, directly benefit Scapa’s commercial health.

What was your turnover before you employed the graduates? What do you expect it to be a year from now?

Scapa expects turnover to double over the coming year.

GEORGE CHRISTELIS

How has GfG advised you?

My search for a graduate job was focused on small, innovative companies

as I felt that this would provide a far more enjoyable working

experience. GfG initially put me in contact with Scapa Technologies as

they felt that Scapa addressed my company specifications. I felt that

GfG were personal and remarkably efficient in helping me find my job at

Scapa.

Have you found your ideal job?

My job at Scapa Technologies provides me with a fantastic learning

experience as well as the challenges I was looking for once leaving

University. I think this job is ideal in terms of a graduate job, and

provides me with skills that I can use to further my working prospects

in the future.

Did you find it quickly, and if so, did you expect to find it this

quickly?

I had been searching for a job for about three weeks, and I found it

after my first interview with GfG. I had no expectations for finding a

job in any particular time period but was very pleased that things

happened so quickly once I met with GfG.

What benefits have you found through the placement into Scapa

Technologies?

Scapa is a vibrant and exciting development company, with a set of well

skilled employees. By working on projects for scapa I have been able to

improve and refine my development skills, and am learning to communicate ideas and concepts effectivly.

In addition to this, Scapa’s affiliations with IBM and the open source

Hyades project introduce the excitement of large scale cooperative work

without the beauracracy of being employed in a large company. This

provides me with experience and the best of both worlds.

What about the service from GfG did you find helpful?

I have not used any aditional services from GfG other than help with my

graduate placement.

NATHAN MCKEOWN

How has GfG advised you?

GfG provided advice regarding interview techniques, communication

skills and on what to expect in my interviews for the position. They

also gave me important background information on the company.

Have you found your ideal job?

I believe this could well be my ideal job, as I am working within a

great team who are creating some really innovative solutions.

Did you find it quickly, and if so, did you expect to find it this

quickly?

It was some time before I found a job, due to the lack of graduate

positions in the market place. I found I was having to apply for

positions asking for more experience than I had to offer. With regards

to actually finding a graduate position, I definitely had the most luck

with GfG.

What benefits have you found through the placement into Scapa

Technologies?

I am gaining invaluable experience in working with various

development tools and languages on some really exciting products.

What about the service from GfG did you find helpful?

Graduates for growth was a great help to me, providing advice and

encouragement when going for interviews. They also made sure they were

available on the day of my interview to help me get feedback as quickly

as possible.