STEM Returners has been awarded £115,000 through the Scottish Government’s £3.85 million Offshore Wind Skills Programme to support more people to return to work after 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 after a career break, 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 operating in Scotland. Candidates will receive support throughout, including recruitment, assessment, onboarding and in-placement mentoring.
The latest research from STEM Returners (STEM Returners Index) shows that it is harder than ever to return to STEM 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. STEM Returners aim to eliminate these barriers by providing returnships that enable professionals to return to work in a supported environment while making a tangible contribution to the business.
The programme is part of a package of projects announced by the Scottish Government which include Ayrshire College, the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland (NMIS), and aim to enable participants to develop new skills, build on existing experience and access opportunities across Scotland’s growing offshore wind industry.
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.”
Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said: “Scotland’s growing offshore wind sector offers a generational opportunity for high-quality, well-paid employment across the country in a wide range of roles.
“These projects highlight how the Scottish Government is responding to the skills needs identified by industry, working with employers and training providers to create clear pathways into offshore wind while helping people across Scotland put their knowledge and expertise to work in the sector.
“With funding through our Offshore Wind Skills Programme, these projects will enable more people to secure good, well paid, long-term jobs and realise the wider economic benefits of our journey to net zero, as we build a more secure and more affordable energy future for Scotland and for Europe.”
The Offshore Wind Skills Programme (OWSP) was established by the Scottish Government in 2026 and allocated £3.85 million to support the development of the skilled offshore wind workforce needed to support the sector’s growth.
The projects announced today represent a further £861,000 of investment through the programme, following the first projects approved and announced in June, bringing the total funding awarded to £2,540,000.
