Thames Water has announced a new partnership with STEM Returners to help more professionals return to work after a career break.
The water company will host a returners programme at its sites in Reading and Hampton, near Richmond, where roles will include modelling and insights specialists and engineers.
The 12-week, paid programme provides candidates with work experience and mentoring during their placement, as well as supporting them in adjusting to life back in the workplace.
STEM Returners will source the candidates and provide career coaching and mentoring throughout the paid placement.
On completion of the programme, returners may be offered the opportunity to become permanent Thames Water employees.
Gosia Dworska, head of emerging talent and skills at Thames Water, said: “The launch of the STEM Returners programme is another proactive step Thames Water is taking to build a future-ready skills pipeline.
“By tapping into local talent, including those returning to STEM careers, we are creating a solid foundation of skills for today and the future.”
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, added: “We are very proud to enter this new partnership with Thames Water to return highly skilled people back into work and address the well-known skills shortage across the STEM sector.
“But despite a clear need for people, professionals who have had a career break are often overlooked. We must work together to make vital changes in recruitment practices and help those finding it challenging to return to the sector.”
Are you looking for top construction talent? Want to get ahead of the competition? Contact Sophie Holland at CIOB Jobs.
