For many of us, the path to a fulfilling career isn’t always straightforward. In fact, it’s often the twists, turns, and unexpected changes that lead to the best opportunities. Meg Rolley, now a software engineer at Vindico, knows this first-hand. Her journey from studying geography at Cardiff University to landing her dream role in tech is a story of passion, persistence, and courage — and a testament that it’s okay to change direction when something doesn’t feel quite right.

Starting Out on a Different Path

When Meg began her university journey in 2018, she was enrolled in geography at Cardiff University. At first, it seemed like the right fit. But as she got deeper into the coursework, something didn’t quite click. Many of us have experienced that gut feeling when something feels off, and for Meg, this realisation came with a sense of urgency to pursue a path that would truly engage her.

Rather than sticking it out and ignoring her doubts, Meg made a bold move: she decided to switch to Applied Software Engineering after her first year.

“It felt like a huge decision at the time,” she recalls, “but it turned out to be a game-changer. suddenly I was working on real projects with actual clients, solving genuine problems rather than just hitting the books.”

These hands-on experiences would solidify Meg’s love for software development.

Diving Deeper into Software Engineering

As Meg settled into her new course, she seized every opportunity to gain practical experience. In her second year, she joined a research project at Cardiff University focused on developing software to detect “phubbing” (that all-too-common habit of ignoring others in favour of a smartphone).

“We’ve all been guilty of it!” admits Meg.

“That project gave me the opportunity create and test the software myself, which was a brilliant experience.”

At the time, she was set on pursuing a PhD, envisioning a future of research, writing, and presenting papers at conferences. 

“Funny how plans change, right?” says Meg.

As she explored new facets of software engineering, she found that her interests were steering her in new directions.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Coders

Meg’s journey wasn’t only about her personal growth; she was also giving back along the way. During her studies, she became a STEM ambassador, visiting primary schools to teach children about computing using fun tools like Game Maker Studio and Scratch. She even ran online code clubs, helping young students stay engaged and curious about tech during the pandemic.

Later, Meg took her teaching skills a step further, teaching Java basics to postgraduate students.

“Being on the other side of the classroom and sharing what I'd learned along the way really helped cement my own understanding of these concepts,” says Meg.

Gaining Real-World Experience

As her final year approached, Meg managed to balance her studies with a part-time role at a South Wales startup. Working in the fast-paced startup environment gave her invaluable insights, forcing her to think on her feet and adapt to new challenges.

“Not going to lie - balancing my final year studies with work was challenging, but it was worth every minute,” adds Meg.

By the time she graduated with a First Class Honours in June 2022, Meg had already gained a level of experience and confidence that would shape her career.

Click here to see how other members of the Vindico team have taken alternative career paths into software development and coding.

Joining Vindico and Embracing New Opportunities

Meg joined Vindico’s award-winning development team in October 2023, where the diverse projects and collaborative team culture immediately appealed to her.

“What really drew me to Vindico? They’re doing all sorts of different projects, and their team is full of different perspectives and skills.

“I love how they're always ready to tackle new tech and try different tools as new projects come in. It's not just about building my skills - it's about doing it in a way that's actually exciting and keeps me on my toes in this constantly changing tech world. Every day brings something different, and that's exactly what I was looking for in my career.”

The Big Takeaway: Embrace the Journey

Meg’s path from geography student to software engineer wasn’t always smooth, but every twist and turn taught her something valuable.

“Looking back, my path's been pretty winding - from geography to coding, from teaching kids to building software, from startup life to where I am now. But that's what makes it interesting, right?” says Meg.

Her story is a reminder that it’s okay to pivot when something doesn’t feel right. The most fulfilling careers aren’t always straightforward; they’re built on curiosity, courage, and a willingness to pursue what excites you.

Or, as Meg puts it:
 
“Sometimes you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and go after what really gets you excited. Do what feels right for you, and chase after whatever lights that fire in your belly. After all, if you’re going to spend most of your life working, it might as well be doing something that gets you jumping out of bed in the morning.

“That journey from uncertain first-year to where I am now wasn't always smooth sailing, but each twist and turn taught me something valuable. And honestly? I wouldn't change it for the world.”

For anyone questioning their career path or feeling uncertain about the future, Meg’s journey shows that it’s never too late to pivot and pursue what truly fulfils you. Her advice? Embrace the journey, take risks, and don’t be afraid to follow your passion — even if it means stepping into the unknown.

You can also find out about the latest tech career opportunities with Vindico by clicking here.

The tech industry is booming, and with ever-expanding opportunities, people from all walks of life are finding their way into the field. 

And it’s this kind of diversity that we actively encourage at Vindico. Whether you’re fresh out of school, seeking a career change, or somewhere in between, there are plenty of ways to pursue the tech career you’ve always wanted. Here's a few different routes into the tech field – with some useful hints and stories from our own development team thrown in, too. 

The Traditional Route: University Degrees in Tech

For many, the traditional entry into tech starts with a university degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a similar field of study. It’s a path that’s typically appealed to younger people looking to break into the tech field, and a 2021 survey by Stack Overflow reported that nearly 50% of developers under the age of 30 entered the industry this way.

Vindico’s own Rory Durrant is a great example of someone who opted for this route. Rory joined Vindico as a placement student while completing his university studies.

“I was looking for a Year in Industry placement, and Vindico came up on LinkedIn. Vindico was one of the only local tech companies offering a placement. After popping a message to CEO Jo Polson, the rest is history,” Rory explains.

Fast-forward to today and Rory is now a permanent member of the Vindico team. He now handles the backend development of applications, working on critical infrastructure to make our applications run smoothly and securely. He’s currently working on a top-secret project for a global sports brand, but we can’t say any more about this. 

“The ever-changing environment keeps the job fresh and exciting,” adds Rory.

If you’re already following this route – or considering it – a degree in a relevant field offers a strong foundation and a structured learning environment. But, as Rory’s story shows, real-world experience through internships or placements can also be valuable when it comes to paving the way for a career in tech. 

Click here to read more about Rory’s story – and what it’s really like to do a tech placement.

Coding Bootcamps: The Fast-Track to a Tech Career

If you’re looking for a faster way into the industry, coding bootcamps have become an increasingly popular option. They’re short, intensive programs that focus on practical skills and real-world application, and typically last anywhere from 12 weeks to six months. Bootcamps are a popular choice for anyone looking to change career and people who don’t want to commit to a full degree. 

Alice Martin is a software developer and part of the award-nominated development team at Vindico. She decided to switch careers and opted to take the bootcamp route after taking a few coding courses for fun. 

“I just fell in love with coding,” says Alice. 

“While working full-time, I enrolled in a part-time Computing and IT course and completed the Code First Girls degree program.”

Alice is proof that you can switch to a tech career at any stage. After joining Vindico two years ago, Alice is now a key member of our development team, where she works on several projects for our clients in the care sector. 

“I love that tech is such a fast-paced industry that’s always changing. There are always new things to learn and discover. I also love being able to work on projects from start to finish. At Vindico we’re involved in projects throughout the whole development process and get to see how it evolves,” adds Alice. 

Self-Learning: Independent Study That Lets You Learn at Your Own Pace 

Many tech professionals, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, break into the industry through self-learning. Today, there are plenty of online platforms offering accessible and affordable resources that allow aspiring developers to learn at their own pace.

And it’s a popular choice. 

A recent Stack Overflow developer survey found that around 27% of developers consider themselves self-taught, while 33% say they learned through a combination of formal education and independent study.

Alice’s journey into tech included plenty of independent learning. Despite juggling a full-time job, Alice found time to upskill through various online coding courses. And it’s a similar story for many of our team. Fellow Vindico developer Emilie studied online to enhance her IT and software credentials, Rory pursues his own coding projects outside of Vindico, and Kieran Williams, who also works on our dev team, contributes to the wider global blockchain community through hackathons.

You can read all about Kieran’s experience with blockchain hackathons here. 

Apprenticeships and Internships: Learning on the Job

If you prefer hands-on learning, an apprenticeship or internship could be a valuable pathway into tech. These programmes blend practical work experience with structured education to give you the chance to learn while you’re earning.

In Rory’s case, his placement with Vindico was part of his university studies, but it gave him a head start in the industry. Internships like this offer a chance to get your foot in the door, network, and gain the real-world skills that are in demand.

“Immediately after starting and meeting the team, I knew that Vindico was a good place to be. The welcoming atmosphere and exciting projects sealed the deal for me,” says Rory.

Tech: An Inclusive Industry for Everyone 

The beauty of the tech industry is its inclusivity, and the fact that it welcomes people from all backgrounds. 

“Vindico actively supports this through their inclusive environment, their appreciation for new ideas, and the work environment being a friendly, motivational, and empowering place to be in,” says software developer Meg Rolley. 

So, whether you follow the traditional route of a university degree, attend a coding bootcamp, learn independently, or decide to switch careers, tech offers plenty of opportunities for everyone.

As Rory highlights;

“The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there's always something new to learn about.” 

Want to see what tech careers and opportunities are available at Vindico? Click here to see our careers page. We update it often and are always on the lookout for outstanding tech talent so be sure to keep checking back or drop us a line.

Rugby season has kicked off, match days are in full swing, and for stadiums and teams, managing the logistics and operations of each event can be a challenging task. 

Behind the scenes, and away from the pitch, management teams are tasked with everything from ensuring staff coordination to handling incidents in real time. And that’s where SWAPP 3.0 comes in. 

Designed to solve common operational problems, SWAPP 3.0 is transforming the rugby match day experience – making it smoother, safer, and more efficient for everyone involved. And it does all this while keeping it simple, too. This simple, tech-driven solution helps teams stay one step ahead on match days.

Here’s how this simple, tech-driven solution helps rugby and stadium teams stay one step ahead on match days.

Easy Access to Critical Information

When it comes to managing a live event, easy access to key data and information is crucial. And SWAPP 3.0 presents all the key info you need in ways that are simple to see, understand, and act on. With a user-friendly interface, teams can quickly navigate through real-time data to stay ahead of any issues, ensuring they can identify and solve problems faster than ever before.

From event managers to stewards, the platform’s simplicity empowers users to focus on their roles without the added stress of managing complex systems. 

The result? 

Smoother operations and quicker decision-making.

Click here to find out more about SWAPP 3.0's easy-to-use features.

Integrated Document Finder

One of the biggest challenges for management teams is tracking down important documents and files, which often lost in the clutter of emails or messaging apps. SWAPP 3.0 solves this problem with its integrated document finder. All essential files—from safety protocols to event schedules to staffing documents—are housed in one central location, readily available at your fingertips.

Cutting out the need to search through disorganised folders or scattered communications, SWAPP 3.0 facilitates smoother management and reduces operational delays, helping teams stay focused on the game.

Enhanced Safety Features

Safety is always a top priority on rugby match days, and SWAPP 3.0 offers enhanced features that make it easier to maintain security and compliance. From fire roll calls to incident reporting, the tech platform has been designed to streamline traditionally long-winded processes. 

Its intuitive interface also allows teams to complete safety checks and log incidents quickly, making for a safer environment for everyone attending.  

The platform’s real-time capabilities prove particularly valuable when tracking event progress and responding to incidents, too. Teams can instantly log reports and access up-to-the-minute data, which leads to faster decision-making and more responsive operations.

Real-Time Data for Faster Decisions

Speed and accuracy are critical in live events, and this is where SWAPP 3.0's real-time capabilities give teams an edge. Whether it’s reporting incidents or tracking event progress, the platform provides instant updates that allow teams to act fast. This higher level of visibility means match day managers can make better-informed decisions that keep operations running smoothly.

The ability to provide quick, easy updates also means less room for error compared to manual, time-consuming processes. The truth is, long-winded processes can often lead to human error, and SWAPP 3.0’s easy format makes for greater efficiency and accuracy throughout the event.

Simplified Staff and Steward Management

Managing staff and stewards is often one of the most complicated parts of rugby match day. But with SWAPP 3.0, pre-event registration, checking work availability, and managing accreditations are all simplified. Managers can book and organise workers ahead of time, making sure the event is adequately staffed. This results in a safer, smoother, and more reliable match day experience for everyone involved.

By making staffing simpler and more transparent, SWAPP 3.0 also reduces last-minute complications and enhances team coordination, ultimately boosting the overall event performance.

Find out more about how SWAPP is simplifying stewarding for venues and events here.

Praise from the Field

The impact of SWAPP 3.0 is already being felt across the rugby community. Jamie Muir, Stadium Manager at Cardiff Rugby, shares his experience with the platform:

"Using Vindico's SWAPP 3.0 at Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff Arms Park has revolutionised our in-house stewarding administration. It has streamlined the management of steward availability, deployment, and incident reporting, saving us significant time and resources. The app's user-friendly interface, both for administrators and users, combined with real-time data access, has greatly enhanced our matchday safety management. Our operations are now more robust and efficient thanks to SWAPP."  

The Future of Match Day Management

As rugby teams continue to face increasing operational demands, tools like SWAPP 3.0 are essential for making sure rugby match days run smoothly. From simplifying stewarding processes to improving safety protocols and providing real-time data access, the platform is a game-changer for venue management.

For rugby clubs, stadiums, and event organisers, tools like SWAPP 3.0 are paving the way for a smarter, more efficient future—one where teams can focus on delivering a seamless experience both on and off the field.

To find out how SWAPP 3.0 can revolutionise your match day operations and help your team or venue gain an edge, click here to get in touch today, or send a direct email to Vindico CRO Rhys Perkins at rhys@vindico.net

SWAPP 3.0 takes the hassle out of organising and managing stewards for teams, venues, and events. 

Managing stewards at large venues and events can be complex and time-consuming. From gauging availability to coordinating schedules to ensuring effective communication, the process needs meticulous attention to detail. 

And that’s where SWAPP 3.0 comes in. 

Our game-changing technology is specially designed to simplify and streamline the stewarding process for stadiums, arenas, and events. Here’s how it’s helping management teams to gain an edge.  

Centralised Management with Real-Time Updates

SWAPP 3.0 is built with simplicity and efficiency at its core. Using our signature “simpler, better” approach, the platform offers easy-to-use dashboards that provide real-time updates on steward availability, location, and scheduling. By housing all stewarding data in one centralised hub, SWAPP 3.0 ensures that management teams, stewards, and supervisors are always on the same page. This not only saves time but also enhances coordination and transparency, making it easier for you to manage large-scale events with confidence.
Click here to find out more about the benefits of real-time data updates.

Streamlining Steward Availability and Communication

One of the key features of SWAPP 3.0 is its ability to simplify the management of steward availability. The platform allows operations managers to monitor steward attendance in the pre-event stage, identifying potential challenges, and addressing them well before the event day. This proactive approach reduces last-minute surprises and ensures that events are adequately staffed."We have been using SWAPP for the last two years for our in-house stewarding operations," says George Mead, Operations Manager at Glamorgan Cricket. "It has helped improve our management of steward availability for all our fixtures. The app provides us and Steward Supervisors with live data of steward availability in the pre-event stage so we can easily identify any potential challenges and ensure these are rectified prior to event day. This has helped us save significant time and resources."SWAPP 3.0 also enhances communication with stewarding teams through features like the Noticeboard and Mass Emails functions. These tools allow you to efficiently disseminate important information, ensuring that all team members are informed and prepared for their roles.

Greater Control and Flexibility on Event Day

For Senior Supervisors like Graham Sharland at Principality Stadium, SWAPP 3.0 offers unparalleled control and flexibility. "Thanks to SWAPP 3.0, our dashboards give us greater control, flexibility, and management of steward numbers for every event. Using the pre-event dashboard, I can gauge anticipated steward attendance, chase up anyone who hasn’t set a preference to work, or balance out team numbers using our reserve list," says Graham.This level of control continues right up to event day. You can monitor dashboards for any last-minute changes or dropouts, allowing you to adjust staffing levels accordingly. On the day of the event, SWAPP 3.0 lets you confirm attendance numbers and ensure that critical areas of the venue are adequately staffed ­– contributing to a safe and smooth event experience.

Positive Feedback from the Field

The feedback from stewards using SWAPP 3.0 has been overwhelmingly positive. They like how the platform is easy to use and the way it simplifies their work processes. The ability to access real-time updates and clear, concise communication from management also helps them perform their duties more effectively, leading to a better overall event experience for everyone involved.

The Future of Stewarding with SWAPP 3.0

As venues and events continue to grow in scale and complexity, the need for effective steward management becomes increasingly important. SWAPP 3.0 is at the forefront of this evolution, providing a powerful tool that simplifies the stewarding process, enhances communication, and ensures that events are staffed and managed efficiently.

Whether you’re managing a local sports fixture or a major international event, SWAPP 3.0 is your key to smoother, safer, more successful operations. 

To find out more about how this game-changing yet simple technology can transform your stewarding process click here to get in touch today, or email our CRO Rhys Perkins at Rhys@vindico.net

Vindico and SWAPP 3.0 are finalists for two awards at the Wales STEM Awards 2024. 

We’re excited to announce that both Vindico and our latest innovation – SWAPP 3.0 – have been shortlisted at this year’s Wales STEM Awards. 

As a company, Vindico is a finalist for the Innovation in STEM award, while our talented development team behind SWAPP 3.0, which is led by our CTO Ryan Griffiths, is in the running for STEM Team of the Year. 

These latest achievements give recognition to our cutting-edge tech and innovations that are changing the way venues, teams, and organisations operate – for the better. They also shine the light on our talented in-house development team who, led by our CTO, have showcased what great tech minds and exceptional collaboration can achieve. 

And that’s where SWAPP 3.0 comes in. 

Officially soft-launched at this year’s global StadiumBusiness Summit, SWAPP 3.0 is our cutting-edge technology for teams, venues, and events. 12 months in the making, and five years of continuous development, this cutting-edge software for venue and stadium management streamlines operations, drives efficiencies, and excels in knowledge transfer and upskilling – empowering organisations to succeed. 

Click here to find out more about the unveiling of SWAPP 3.0.

Our latest innovation builds on the success of our original SWAPP platform – which has already been adopted by venues including Principality Stadium, The Arms Park, Sophia Gardens, Vindico Arena, and Parc Y Scarlets, and teams including Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Rugby, Glamorgan Cricket, and Gloucester Rugby. The new technology – innovated solely by Vindico’s in-house development teams based in Cardiff and Llanelli – focuses on enhanced safety, automation, and knowledge transfer for stadiums, venues, and sports teams, in line with new and upcoming government guidelines. 

It’s a project that’s allowed our team to take our innovative process to new levels – and this latest technology is very literally changing the game for the venues and teams across the UK who have already adopted it. 

Click here to see how SWAPP 3.0 solves one of the most common problems for stadiums, venues, and events.

But back to our fantastic STEM award nominations. 

As a fast-growing tech business, Vindico is not just committed to creating several STEM jobs here in Wales, we’re also partnering with fellow STEM-focused businesses across the UK to provide the solutions, the skills, and the tools they need to operate more effectively. We’re also raising awareness of the importance of STEM skills, and are proving that the sector is a fun, vibrant, creative, and inclusive place to be – at all levels. 

Being shortlisted for these awards gives a nod to this commitment – and shows us that we’re on the right path to making even more of an impact. 

And we owe it all to our talented team, our collaborators, our forward-thinking clients, and our supportive peers. 

You can find out more about the Wales STEM Awards 2024 here.

In the fast-paced worlds of sport, venues, and events, effective knowledge transfer is crucial to maintaining seamless operations – and that’s where SWAPP 3.0 comes in. 

The challenge of losing vital information when staff leave, or having only a few team members know how to access critical features, can create significant barriers to communication, efficiency, and transparency. 

So, we set out to tackle these issues head-on. 

SWAPP 3.0 is our game-changing technology designed to revolutionise how knowledge is transferred and managed within venues – from stadiums to arenas and beyond. 

Here’s how. 

Addressing the Knowledge Gap

One of the biggest pain points our clients in the stadium and venue sectors have expressed is the difficulty in retaining knowledge when key staff members move on. This issue is further compounded when only a select few individuals know how to operate essential systems or access critical information, creating bottlenecks and limiting the flow of communication.

SWAPP 3.0 was developed with these challenges in mind. Our easy-to-use platform is designed to ensure that crucial knowledge and information remain within the organisation, no matter what the staff turnover. With SWAPP 3.0, knowledge is no longer siloed – it’s accessible to everyone who needs it, making for a smoother, more transparent operation.

A Simple, Accessible Framework

At Vindico, we take a “simpler, better” approach to everything we innovate. Technology should simplify processes, not complicate them. That’s why SWAPP 3.0 offers a straightforward framework that’s intuitive and accessible to all users. The platform allows venues to build customised dashboards that put essential data and information at their fingertips, without the need for complex training or technical know-how.

That means no more scrolling through endless WhatsApp messages or sifting through complicated spreadsheets. SWAPP 3.0 consolidates all your data in one place, providing a centralised hub for all your venue’s needs. This not only saves time but also ensures that everyone on the team is on the same page, with easy access to the information they need when they need it.

Real-Time Access and Updates

In the dynamic environment of sport and events, real-time access to data is crucial. SWAPP 3.0 empowers teams to view and update dashboards in real-time, thanks to its innovative QR code functionality. This means that whether you’re on the field, in the stands, or back in the office, you can instantly access and update important information without the need for clunky and longwinded processes.

This real-time capability is particularly valuable for reporting incidents and tracking event progress. With SWAPP 3.0, teams can instantly log reports and access up-to-the-minute data, allowing for faster decision-making and more responsive operations.

Empowering Teams, Enhancing Operations

SWAPP 3.0 is more than just a tool – it’s a powerful enabler of collaboration and efficiency. By providing a simple, accessible platform for knowledge transfer, SWAPP 3.0 ensures that your venue’s operations are smooth, transparent, and resilient to staff changes. It eliminates the bottlenecks caused by limited knowledge access and keeps your team connected and informed, no matter what their role or location.

The Future of Knowledge Management in Venues

As the sport, stadia, and events sectors continue to evolve, the ability to manage and transfer knowledge effectively will be a key differentiator for successful venues. And SWAPP 3.0 is leading the way in this new era of knowledge management, providing a robust, user-friendly solution that meets the unique needs of these industries. 

At Vindico, we’re committed to helping our clients overcome their biggest challenges with innovative technology solutions. And With SWAPP 3.0, we’re not only providing a tool that not addresses the critical issue of knowledge transfer but also enhances overall operations – making venues smarter, safer, more efficient, and better equipped to deliver exceptional experiences.

To find out more about SWAPP 3.0, and how it can transform your team, venue, or event, click here to get in touch today, or reach out directly to our CRO Rhys Perkins at rhys@vindico.net.