A Fareham-headquartered recruitment firm is celebrating a transformative year in its history by launching a fund to help engineering students at a Hampshire university.
Gattaca Plc, which specialises in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) industries, is marking 40 years since its founding and its first year post-founder retirement.
The company, originally a local agency named Matchmaker, was founded by George Materna.
Now, Gattaca, which includes recruitment brands Matchtech and Barclay Meade, is an international company connecting over 250,000 people with careers.
Despite challenging market conditions, the organisation continues to support communities and promote STEM opportunities.
In recognition of Mr Materna’s contributions, Gattaca has launched the Materna Fund.
The initiative provides financial support to students studying a BEng (Hons) Engineering and Technology with Foundation Year at the University of Portsmouth.
The fund awards £2,500 annually to two students, helping them to complete their studies and pursue careers in STEM.
The Materna Fund is part of Gattaca’s tradition of investing in the community.
Matthew Wragg, CEO of Gattaca, who assumed leadership in 2022, said: "George’s vision wasn’t just about building a business; it was about building one with a fantastic culture and that truly served its communities.
"By launching the Materna Fund, we’re not only honouring his legacy but also staying true to the culture he created. This reflects our dedication to fostering success, nurturing talent, and shaping a brighter future for the STEM industry, whilst honouring our founder who helped so many people go on to have great careers.”
The company also partners with initiatives such as The Talent Tap, promoting social mobility by helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds access career opportunities; Foothold, an engineering-focused wellbeing charity; and Friends of PICU, which supports children and families in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Southampton Children’s Hospital.
Under CEO Matt Wragg’s leadership, Gattaca is growing its service lines and customer base, using its market-leading technology platform, and increasing its social value activities, resulting in several awards for the business.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here