Last November BT Engineering Services embarked on an innovative pilot to address the engineering skills shortage by attracting back electrical engineers after a career break. The programme was an overwhelming success where 100% of programme participants have now joined the business on a permanent basis. BT were overwhelmed by the fantastic capabilities and skills of those returning and want to make sure that they are removing all the barriers for returners to re-join and develop within BT. We are delighted to be partnering again to offer more return opportunities for electrical and power engineers across Bedford, St Albans, Central London, Romford, Croydon, Guildford and Aldershot.
Engineering Services is at the heart of BT’s service delivery – we plan, build and maintain BT’s 5’700 exchanges and 289 radio sites across the UK and we maintain 10 data centres and 25 EE sites. We understand and care about what our customers need. ES helps BT provide an “always on” customer service experience in an increasingly demanding world. Our job is to keep the BT network safe and working 24/7/365. We’re also excited to be building the networks of the future – 5G, software defined networks, and network convergence, to name a few. In a nutshell, we use our engineering expertise to protect and build the services of today and tomorrow, for our customers – around the clock and wherever they are – and we need you to help us do this.
BT knows that returners often face an insurmountable barrier to returning to work after a career break, be that because of a perception by hirers of a deterioration of skills, or a lack of flexibility. BT’s ground-breaking programme is showing career break returners that they really value those skills that they have gained whilst out of industry, and that they can return to their career flexibly. All programmes offer the option of flexible working and shift patterns that suit the operational requirements of the business and those looking for something that’s not always 9-5!
The programme is open to men and women in Bedford, St Albans, Central London, Romford, Croydon, Guildford, Aldershot and surrounding areas who have taken any length career break, as well as those who wish to transfer sectors but lack the relevant work experience. We are looking for people with Power academic and technical electrical qualifications including BTEC, HNC, ONC, C&G 2360, 2351, 2380, 2396, 2382 latest version of IET Wiring Regulations awareness (17th or 18th Edition, AMD3), or equivalent.
The role will involve desk-based activity, designing solutions, site visits, site surveys, meetings, liaising with customers and suppliers, maintaining electrical records and systems, and participating in conference calls.
We are looking for people with a positive attitude and proactive approach, ability to think for yourself, a service-obsessed outlook and a passion for customer delivery. A flexible approach and a continuous improvement mind-set are also key to the role. Suitable candidates will need a full driving licence.
Candidates signing up to the ‘STEM Returners’ programme will join a paid 12-week structured return to work programme, which will include soft skills training, technical training and on the job experience, as well as coaching and mentoring support.
At the end of the 12 weeks, job offers will be made by BT to those who have shown the necessary skills and aptitude to join the engineering specialists. This isn’t just work experience, but a genuine opportunity to restart careers within an exciting global organisation.
Candidates wishing to apply for the second programme have until 17th May 2019 and can do so through: https://www.stemreturners.com/company/bt/
Pete Buckle, (Director – Engineering Services) said “The STEM Returners programme has proved a real success for us – the people that went through the programme have all gone on to secure permanent roles. We very much welcomed the level of diversity that it offered. It allowed us access to applicants from a greater variety of backgrounds, which we wouldn’t have done in the past. I’m really looking forward to building on that success with this and future programmes”.
Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners said “We are so excited to be running this programme in partnership with BT again. BT really value the skills and experience that returners have to offer which was demonstrated in them offering permanent roles to 100% of its returners last year”