Neil Mckie has built an impressive career in electrical installation, commissioning and project engineering working for both major employers and for his own business. When Neil decided that he wanted to make a change and find a company to build a second career with in his vocation but not most recent role, electrical engineering, he was surprised to find that his varied career experience was making it difficult to align his experience to job applications. It appeared that his core skills were being overlooked by a faceless application process concerned only in his most recent experience.
Why did you approach STEM Returners?
The reason I approached STEM Returners was because I felt it was time for a change in my life and I felt that the power planning role advertised was a good fit for my abilities and experience.
How did STEM Returners help?
STEM Returners is a concept that challenged the mistaken belief that people who have taken different directions in their working life would not be able to successfully return to industries and roles that they worked in previously. By challenging these unfounded assumptions STEM Returners opened communications between companies who had skills gaps in their business and the people who had those skills plus real-life experience of how to apply those skills more effectively than ever.
What was the end result?
The result is that companies like BT fill the skills gaps they have with people who are able to add huge value to their business and are grateful for the opportunity to show what they can do, get job satisfaction and feel part of the emerging future technologies.
How did this change your career?
This changed my career because I feel comfortable as part of the team, enjoy the travel, different challenges every day while constantly learning and realising where I will be able to add value. I am a more relaxed person as a result, and this is benefiting my health and personal life.
Would you recommend the programme?
The STEM Returners programme is a win-win for both the employers who embrace it and the returners who find that performing a role that they enjoy has additional social and health benefits. The STEM Returners programme has successfully proven that there is a need to match skilled people who have had career gaps with companies who are willing to look outside of the box as it engenders loyalty, good working ethics and contentment on both sides.