Wates and STEM Returners have renewed their partnership to help drive gender equality in construction
The STEM Returners programme will include opportunities across the construction business, including in site manager, project manager and project engineer roles.
Return-to-work specialists STEM Returners will source the candidates and provide career coaching and mentoring.
Anwesha Gupta was a previous success story of the STEM Returners Programme, who was able to secure a role as a bid manager after a two-year career break.
Prior to finding her current role, Anwesha found it difficult to reach recruiters and secure an interview through standard recruitment channels, despite 11 years of experience.
Recruitment bias is the main barrier to entry into the construction industry
The STEM Returners programme aims to eliminate these barriers by giving candidates work experience and mentoring, as well as supporting them to adjust to life back at work.
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: “Stories like Anwesha’s are very common. Despite excellent skills, knowledge and experience, a gap on a CV puts you at a disadvantage, which shouldn’t be the case.”
Over 450 STEM Returners candidates have joined programmes across the UK
Nikunj Upadhyay, inclusion and diversity director at Wates Group, added: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with STEM Returners to ensure talented individuals are not held back from pursuing a meaningful career of choice.
“We look forward to welcoming them into our business. For us, this programme is a bridge where experience meets opportunity, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive, and diverse tomorrow.”
