Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has launched a second programme with STEM Returners to help experienced professionals return to the infrastructure industry after a career break.
The paid programme follows a successful pilot earlier this year, which helped four professionals return to work. It is open to candidates with career breaks of any length and will offer placements in commercial, project delivery and functional support roles on major energy projects in the UK.
Opportunities include work with Scottish Power Transmission, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, National Grid and the Great Grid Partnership.
STEM Returners will source candidates and provide career coaching and mentoring throughout their placements. At the end of the programme, participants may be offered permanent positions with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure.
The initiative aims to address barriers facing experienced professionals seeking to re-enter STEM careers. Research by STEM Returners has found that a lack of recent experience, alongside gender, age and race bias, can make returning to work particularly difficult. These challenges can also undermine candidates’ confidence and lead some to consider leaving the sector altogether.
‘It shouldn’t mean a career end’
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: “The success of the pilot shows exactly what returners can bring when they’re given a fair chance. We know the construction and infrastructure industries need more people, yet a gap on someone’s CV still puts them at a real disadvantage when they try to re-enter the workforce. A career break shouldn’t mean a career end.”
Peter Kirk, managing director of energy at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said the pilot had exceeded expectations, with participants rebuilding their confidence, refreshing their expertise and securing meaningful roles in the industry.
He added: “With 75% of participants being women, and recruitment for our second cohort now underway, we’re proud to be widening access to careers in infrastructure while helping to address the UK’s growing skills challenge.”
Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, nearly 700 candidates have taken part in its programmes across the UK.
