SSE has stepped up its collaboration with return-to-work specialist STEM Returners to help more engineers re-enter the renewables sector after a career break.
The partnership has launched a third “returners” programme across SSE’s Transmission and Renewables Teams in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Recruiting to roles such as Project Engineering, Asset Management and Project Management, the programme allows returners to be reintegrated into an inclusive work environment.
STEM Returners will source candidates and provide them with additional support including advice, career coaching, and mentoring; ensuring applicants are ready and confident to return to work.
This is the third programme between SSE and STEM Returners, after two previous programmes enabled 20 professionals back to work.
One of those professionals was Sue, who took had to take a career break to move to Scotland to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Through the STEM Returners programme, she secured a Development Project Manager role with SSE Transmission.
Sue said: “It was daunting, mainly because many years had passed it was a challenge to get my head back into ‘work speak’. I was quite close to starting my own business as it had been a thankless task being rejected out of hand because of the gap.
“I thought it might not happen.
“But then I came across the STEM Returners website and literally couldn’t believe my luck that SSE had a programme, up the road in Perth.
“I had fond memories of working for big utility companies and so it felt like returning home.
“The flexibility of the role was really important to me and the support I’ve received from my manager has been a major factor in my successful return.”
Additionally, it is hoped that the new programme will help fill an emerging green energy skills gap. It is estimated that around 200,000 new workers are needed it the UK is to deliver on long term energy security and meet its energy transition targets. *
Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners, said: “The number of green energy roles is growing across the sector and there is a hidden workforce that can help fill those roles but are often overlooked.
“People who have a had a career break face an uphill battle to return to the industry – there is a misconception that a gap on you CV leads to a deterioration of skills but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Many returners keep themselves updated with the developments from their industry and have developed transferable skills that can benefit their employers.