Energy engineering consultancy Doris has formed a new partnership with STEM Returners to support energy professionals’ return to work after a career break.
Doris will offer a 12-week paid placement programme at its offices in Great Yarmouth and London, UK.
STEM Returners, a leading organisation in the UK in returner programmes, will source returners for the roles and provide them with additional support including advice, career coaching, and mentoring.
Annual research from STEM Returners (The STEM Returners Index) shows the challenges people who have had a career break face when trying to return to STEM.
Recruitment bias is the main barrier to entry, with 66% of STEM professionals on a career break saying they are finding the process of attempting to return to work either difficult or very difficult and that nearly half (46%) of participants said they felt bias because of a lack of recent experience.
The STEM Returners programme tackles these barriers by ensuring candidates can be re-integrated into an inclusive environment.
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.
Frank Drennan, Doris UK’s Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to be supporting this initiative with STEM Returners and providing key opportunities to enable STEM professionals to re-enter the energy industry.
“STEM professionals looking to re-enter the energy industry offer valuable expertise and commitment and passion for energy; these qualities are crucial for the energy industry to continue to grow and innovate and achieve the energy targets of the future.”
Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners, said: “Only by partnering with industry leaders like Doris, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”
Successful candidates may be offered full-time positions at Doris upon the completion of their 12-week placement.
Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, more than 400 STEM Returner candidates have joined programmes across the UK.