Kier is working with STEM Returners to help people get back to work after a career break.

A variety of STEM roles will be offered across the country in both sites and offices.

STEM Returners will source candidates for the programme and will provide returners with additional support including advice, career coaching, networking opportunities and mentoring; ensuring applicants are ready and confident to return to work. 

Applicants will undertake a fully paid 12-week ‘returnship’ which allows candidates to be reintegrated into an inclusive environment upon their return to STEM. 

All the roles Kier is putting through STEM Returners are permanent roles, meaning the applicant has an opportunity to continue at the group at the end of the 12 weeks. 

The mentoring and coaching platform will be available for 12 months, so they can continue to be supported as they fulfil their role. 

Tracey Collins, head of diversity and inclusion at Kier Group, said: “We understand that people may take career breaks, for whatever reason, and that should not prevent future employment opportunities. 

“We are pleased to be working with STEM Returners to provide a programme which not only allows engineers to re-join the workforce, but which also provides training and support to help them thrive.”

Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: “Vacancies in the construction sector remain high as demand for workers continues to outstrip supply. But there is a hidden workforce that are overlooked because they have a gap on their CV. 

“We are very proud to be entering this new partnership with Kier, to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love.”

Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, more than 310 candidates have joined programmes across the UK.