GoCompare sets up degree 'bootcamp' to solve UK skills gap

Price comparison website GoCompare is rolling out its own degree programme after struggling to find enough staff with skills in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM). 

The business, known for its catchy TV adverts featuring opera singer Wynne Evans, is pairing up with Aston University to launch a degree "bootcamp" specifically targeting students in South Wales. 

"Finding talented people with the right STEM-like capabilities is hard, and it's even harder in areas where there's less wealth," said GoCompare's chief executive Matthew Crummack, a graduate of Aston University himself. "[This] gives us an opportunity to bring a more diverse set of people into our business." 

The move will see five students from schools in South Wales embark on a seven-week bootcamp at the Birmingham university before joining GoCompare’s technology team and continuing to study part-time.  

"Our message to people is simple – if you have the ability and drive then we want you to help us build the future of fintech in the UK," co-founder Lee Griffin said. 

The announcement came alongside the company's full-year results which showed a 20pc jump in adjusted operating profit for 2017.

The business acquired money-saving website MyVoucherCodes in December, the same month it batted away a takeover attempt by Zoopla.