ScottishPower has relaunched its employment programme to help people who have taken a career break to rejoin the STEM sector.
The company’s Returner scheme offers a structured pathway for candidates to refresh their industry knowledge and rebuild confidence in their existing skills in a dynamic working environment, as part of ScottishPower’s continued commitment to diversity and inclusion.
From marketing to renewable energy, the Returner Programme showcases the diverse array of career prospects at ScottishPower and with 50% of previous returners going on to secure permanent positions within the organisation, addresses the UK’s pressing STEM skills shortage head-on.
Recent findings from the STEM Returners Index 2023 have highlighted numerous obstacles faced by people seeking to return to the STEM industry post-career breaks, including age and ethnicity biases.
The programme follows ScottishPower’s biggest ever recruitment drive, which created 1000 green jobs as part of the company’s record £10bn investment into green infrastructure in the UK. These green jobs will place people at the forefront of the transformation of the electricity network in support of the UK’s net zero emission goals.
Sarah McNulty, Director of HR at ScottishPower said: “We are delighted to relaunch our successful Returners Programme, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. This project aims to empower STEM industry returners and boost their skills and confidence as they reintegrate into the workforce following career breaks.
“Over time, our Returners Programme has yielded remarkable success stories, with many people not only finding a place within the ScottishPower family but going on to make their mark across STEM industries. We are excited to welcome our next intake of returners and look forward to seeing the incredible impact that our returning talents will continue to make in shaping the future.”