Zurich Engineering has launched a new programme to help engineering surveyors return to work after a career break.
The scheme, in partnership with STEM Returners, is also open to engineers who want to transition into these roles.
Roles will be based in Oxford, London, Leicester, and other locations across the UK, and open to anyone with any length of career break on their CV.
STEM Returners will source the candidates for a minimum of a 12-week paid placement and provide career coaching and mentoring. At the end of the programme, returners may be offered the opportunity to become permanent employees.
Research from STEM Returners (STEM Returners Index) has found that many people face challenges when returning to work following a career break, with recruitment bias against a lack of recent experience as well as gender, age and race as the main barriers to entry. For example, half (51%) of respondents said a perceived lack of recent experience was a barrier to entry, an increase from 38% in the 2023 Index and more than a quarter (26%) of women said they felt they have personally experienced bias in the recruitment process due to their gender compared to eight per cent of men.
STEM Returners aim to eliminate these barriers by giving candidates real, paid, 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: “There is a misconception that a career break leads to a deterioration of skills, but that could not be further from the truth. We know that recruitment bias against career breaks puts qualified and talented professionals at a disadvantage when applying for roles, and this needs to change. We are very proud to enter this new partnership with Zurich Engineering, who share our drive to open up more opportunities for returners and help return highly skilled people back into the industry they love.
Adrian Reeve, Head of Inspection Services at Zurich, said: “We are delighted to be working with STEM Returners, reintroducing people to an Engineering work environment following a period of absence. The opportunity to work with engineers from all sectors, sharing what is required to train as an Engineer Surveyor will be a great benefit to both the individuals and our business.”
Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, more than 500 people have joined programmes across the UK and returned to work. To view STEM Returners’ opportunities, visit https://stemreturners.com/live-programmes/
