In this section, we have included a list of questions frequently put to us by graduates interested in GRADES.  Please note that the programme is being reviewed on a continuous basis and therefore restrictions as have been described may be lifted as we aim to make the programme as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Q - My degree is not in an environmental field.  Would I still be accepted onto the GRADES programme?
A - Graduates of all disciplines can apply to GRADES.  However only those who can demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of sustainable development and how it applies to their discipline will be successful in gaining a place

Q - Is the GRADES programme offering placements in UK?
A - At the moment, GRADES offers placements in Malta and Hungary only

Q - How do I apply?
A - Applications are accepted on the GRADES application form which is downloadable from this website.  In addition applicants must submit an up-to-date CV, including details of their academic qualifications

Q - I am a Hungarian graduate currently living in the UK.  Can I apply to join the programme?
A - Yes, all EU graduates will be considered for a place on the GRADES programme.  However if a graduate's home country is one of the placement countries e.g Hungary, then they will only be considered for a placement in Malta.  The programme is intended to be a cultural experience as well as a work experience, therefore we would not send a participant to their own country on placement.

Q - I am not an EU citizen.  Will I be considered?
A - Unfortunately at present we are unable to consider applications from those who would require a Visa to undertake placements in Europe.

Q - I am interested in the programme but I am currently living abroad.  Am I elegible?
A - No, you must be living in the UK at the time of application.  In addition you must leave for the placement from UK and return to the UK on completion of the placement

Q - Do I have to pay?
A - There are no fees payable for programme entry.  However, all participants must submit a bond of £100, prior to embarking on placement, which will be returned once the placement is completed satisfactorily. In addition participants are expected to have a valid passport and appropriate travel insurance, which may involve some cost to them.
Participants will receive free training and preparation, travel, accommodation and a living allowance while on placement.

Q - Do I get to choose where I want to go?
A - While preferences of participants are taken into account, the final decision will lie with participating companies and which graduates they need and want.  GRADES participants are generally interviewed by a range of companies prior to embarking on the placement.  If more than one company expresses an interest in a graduate, then the graduate gets to choose.

Q - Will I get an employment contract with the company I am placed with?
A - No, you will be under contract to Forward Scotland, the GRADES programme managers.  Participating companies are forbidden to employ graduates during the course of the placement.

Q - Can the company offer me a job at the end of the placement?
A - Companies are free to offer participants an employment contract at the end of the placement, but participants must wait until they complete their contract obligations with Forward Scotland before taking up the offer.

Q - Do I have to learn Hungarian or Maltese?
A - Maltese people generally speak and write in English or Italian, while in Hungary English is also widely spoken and understood.  Participants will never be placed in a company where English is not understood.  So while it is useful for participants to learn some words eg to order food in a restuarant, it is not essential

Q - What preparation assistance will I receive before I go?
A - Participants attend a short course in Sustainable Business Development, delivered by University of Stirling.  In addition preparation training is delivered by Forward scotland and includes generic business skills training, cultural awareness etc.

Q - If I get accepted onto the GRADES programme, do you guarantee that I will get a placement?
A - Since the offer of a placement is dependant on participating companies, we cannot gaurantee that you will be accepted for placement

Q - How soon after I am accepted onto the programme am I expected to leave on placement?
A - Placements can take anything up to 6 - 8 weeks to secure.  Therefore, participants should be careful not to sever ties i.e. giving notice to employers or landlords, until their departure date from UK is confirmed.

Q - What kind of company am I likely to be placed with?
A - That depends on your own skills and experience.  So far participating companies have come from industries such as:- Oil and Gas, Energy, Environmental Consultancy, Construction, Public Sector, Tourism and Legal sectors.

Q - What type of work am I likely to undertake?
A - The work undertaken by participants will vary but will be set around a specific element of sustainable business development, e.g. resource efficiency, environmental awareness, CSR policies, reducing impacts etc.  However this will also involve generic skills such as research, report writing, carrying out surveys and marketing.

Q - What help will I get to complete the placement?
A - Participants will be allocated a mentor within the company to consult on a day to day basis.  Participants can also consult with the co-ordinating partners in both countries and Forward Scotland in UK.  All are happy to deal with any issues or provide advice and guidance as and when required. 

Q - What happens when I get home?
A - Participants are expected to submit a project report about their time on the placement along with photographs.  Guidance, advice and help is also available to enable participants to move into permanent employment.