Global engineering, management and development consultancy, Mott MacDonald, has teamed up with STEM Returners to champion truly inclusive employment practices through a brand-new pilot programme, the ‘returnship’ scheme.
The company, which employs over 16,000 people globally, is keen to recruit experienced engineers whose skill sets are needed to fulfil a number of roles across seven UK cities in particular. The STEM Returners programme is seen as a vital tool to help plug the skills gap facing UK engineering. It also naturally increases diversity in the sector where currently only one in 10 UK engineering posts is held by women, and three out of 50 are identified as BAME.
“As a business, we value the diversity of our staff and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring their full selves to work. This brand new programme is not just about work experience, rather we see it as a genuine opportunity to attract talented people to restart their careers within an exciting organisation” said Rachel Ellison, Unit General Manager for Water & Environment.
Under the innovative programme, STEM professionals are given an opportunity to show their true value to firms through a 12-week, fully paid placement. The programme is open to anybody who has taken a career break, as well as those who wish to change sectors but lack the relevant work experience. The roles on offer with Mott MacDonald include, Water Resources Specialist, Water Engineer, Environmental Consultant and Consultant Ecologist and Accounts Assistant.
During the first coronavirus lockdown, Hampshire based STEM Returners undertook a study with the help of 350 engineers. The report, entitled ‘STEM: The Hidden Workforce’ found that two-thirds of engineers believe the traditional recruitment process works against them.
However, the unique placements offered as part of Mott MacDonald’s STEM Returners scheme will use innovative and inclusive recruitment practices, helping source talented candidates that can slip through the net of standard CV screening. The company can now boast over 150 individuals returned to full-time engineering roles.
“There are lots of initiatives to cater for the next generation of STEM workers, but the STEM Returners programme is aimed specifically at those wishing to go back to engineering mid-career” said Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners.
“Working with a company as renowned as Mott MacDonald is something we are absolutely thrilled about. The launch of their STEM Returners programme shows how seriously the business views diversity and inclusion.”