EDF Renewables UK has formed a new partnership with STEM Returners to help engineers get back to work after a career break.
The company will offer a STEM Returners programme at their sites in Durham or Edinburgh.
Taking on candidates in the roles of facilities manager, civil engineer and electrical engineer, the fully paid placements act as a ‘returnship’, transferring experienced engineers back into industry following a career break, allowing them to be re-integrated into an inclusive environment.
STEM Returners, based in Hampshire, will source candidates for the programme.
STEM Returners director Natalie Desty (pictured) said: “Working in this space for the last five years, we know just how difficult it is for people to overcome the career gap penalty and the impacts that this has on their career in STEM.
“We are very proud to be entering this new partnership with EDF Renewables UK, to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love.
“Only by partnering with industry leaders like EDF Renewables UK, 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.”
EDF Renewables UK chief people officer San Johal said “Our business is successful because everyone’s welcome here. We recognise that people’s careers follow different paths, and a break can allow someone to learn new skills, gain new perspective and help reassess the path they were on.
“We look forward to welcoming the engineers onto their placements and look forward to seeing them thrive.”
The STEM Returners’ programme aims to eliminate barriers to returning to work by giving candidates real work experience and mentoring during their placement, as well as helping them to seamlessly adjust to life back in work.
Successful candidates may be offered full-time positions at EDF Renewables UK upon the completion of their 12-week placement.