STEM Returners has been awarded £115,000 through the Scottish Government’s £3.85 million Offshore Wind Skills Programme to support people returning to work following a career break.
In partnership with Global Underwater Hub (GUH), the Offshore Wind STEM Returners & Skills Transition Programme will be open to STEM professionals returning to work, and those looking to transfer skills from sectors such as oil and gas, subsea, maritime and defence into offshore wind.
The programme will include 20 employer-embedded placements linked to live vacancies with offshore wind and supply chain companies. Candidates will receive support, including recruitment, assessment, onboarding and in-placement mentoring.
The latest research from STEM Returners (STEM Returners Index) shows it is harder than ever to return to STEM after a career break, with bias against a lack of recent experience, as well as gender, age and race, highlighted as the main barriers to entry.
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said, “We are delighted to receive this funding from the Scottish Government. In partnership with the Global Underwater Hub, this programme will help Scotland recover valuable STEM capability by supporting experienced professionals to return to work or transfer their skills into offshore wind. By connecting this talent directly with employers and live vacancies, we can help address immediate skills gaps while supporting a fair and inclusive energy transition.”
