MORGAN Sindall Infrastructure has formed a new partnership with STEM Returners to support more people back to the infrastructure industry, with a focus on the energy sector, after a career break.
Working with return-to-work specialists, STEM Returners, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will host a programme open to people with any length of break on their CV.
The first returners will join the energy business and be based in Motherwell and other locations around the UK, as part of the commercial team. This will include working on strategic frameworks that are maintaining a safe supply of electricity, reducing potential customer interruptions and minutes lost for customers Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy Networks.
STEM Returners will source the candidates and provide career coaching and mentoring throughout the paid placement. At the end of the programme, returners may be offered the opportunity to become permanent Morgan Sindall Infrastructure employees.
The latest research from STEM Returners shows that it is harder than ever to return to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) roles after a career break, and bias against a lack of recent experience, as well as gender, age and race, are the main barriers to entry. It also reveals that the challenges of trying to return to work are damaging people’s self-confidence and forcing them to consider leaving STEM altogether.
STEM Returners aim to eliminate these barriers by giving candidates real work experience and mentoring during their placement, as well as supporting them to adjust to life back in work.
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said, “We know there is a need for more people across the construction and infrastructure industries, but sadly, a gap on someone’s CV puts them at a distinct disadvantage when trying to re-enter the workforce. But a career break shouldn’t mean a career end. We’re proud to be working with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure on this new programme, which aims to improve recruitment practices and allow people to return to work in a supported environment.”
Morgan Sindall Infrastructure delivers some of the UK’s most complex and critical infrastructure across core sectors including energy, defence, water, nuclear, highways and aviation.
Peter Kirk, MD energy Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, commented, “With major investment accelerating across the UK’s National Grid and a growing pipeline of work, addressing the sector’s skills gap has never been more important. People with STEM backgrounds bring valuable expertise, and we’re committed to helping them return to the work they enjoy, by creating opportunities, supporting them to refresh their skills, and helping rebuild the confidence they need to thrive once again.”
