Skanska has joined ICE's returnship scheme, creating numerous opportunities across London and the south east for qualified engineers and infrastructure professionals who have taken a career break and want to return to the profession.
The company is interested in hearing from those who have been on a voluntary career break for two or more years and have previously worked as an engineer, particularly women who have taken time out of their careers to raise children.
The programme is targeted at professional men and women who have taken voluntary career breaks of two years or more. Like an internship, the placement runs for 12 weeks with the aim of turning it into a permanent role.
Skanska offers tailored support and coaching to help with the transition back to work and flexible working to help overcome barriers. Successful applicants will be placed in projects or departments where their skills and experience will be highly valued and utilised.
Deadline for applications to the paid Skanska returnships is 28 February 2017.
As part of its Civils Comeback scheme, ICE is encouraging companies to offer opportunities across all engineering sectors.
Seán Harris, ICE Director of Membership, commented: "Our industry needs more engineers in our offices and onsite. We cannot rely only on new graduates and apprentices to fill the gap. We also need qualified engineers who have left the industry – as well as those who have the skills, experience and qualifications, to pick up where they left off.
"Returning to work after a career break can be daunting so we have designed internships to help make up for lost time, as well as guiding individuals back into a professional working environment."
Israil Bryan, Skanska Diversity and Social Programme Manager, said: "Skanska is passionate about supporting talented professionals back into the workplace. Our return to work programme enables us to reach out to a wider pool of talent. If the industry wants to capitalize on this we need to make it easier for people to get back to work."
Skanska returnships can be accessed via the Civils Comeback scheme.
Return to work case study
Tiffany Grimwade, Sub Agent, Wessex Capacity Alliance (pictured)
Tiffany is a structural engineer with a background in the commercial property sector, working on the design of high rise buildings. She began her career in her home country, Australia and later worked in Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Before joining Skanska, she took a six year break to raise her young children. During this time she completed an MBA and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examinations in order to progress her career in anticipation of her return to work.
Tiffany says Skanska's return to work coaching really helped her: "I've been in the UK for three years and took a career break but was determined to re-establish my professional identity. Skanska looked like the kind of company that valued broad experience and where I could apply my skills.
"I joined their return to work programme and after three months became a permanent employee. Through the programme I received a personalised introduction to the company as well as access to coaching."
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