Pure Data Centres has partnered with STEM Returners to help engineers and IT specialists return to work after a career break.

The company will offer a STEM Returners programme at its site in Brent Cross, London, including positions for electrical and mechanical engineers, technical support and project management. STEM Returners will source candidates for the scheme.

Launched in 2017, the STEM Returners programme aims to help support experienced engineers get back into industry following a career break. The fully paid placements act as a ‘returnship’, allowing candidates to be re-integrated into the sector.

Successful candidates may be offered full-time positions at Pure Data Centres Group upon the completion of their 12-week placement.

According to the STEM Returners’ annual survey, The STEM Returners Index, 66% of STEM professionals on a career break said they are finding the process of attempting to return to work either difficult or very difficult. Nearly half of participants said they felt bias because of a lack of recent experience.

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners said, “We are very proud to be entering this new partnership with Pure Data Centres, to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love. Only by partnering with industry leaders like Pure Data Centres will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”

Dawn Childs, CEO (Operations) for Pure Data Centres , added, “Pure is passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workforce because our people are the heartbeat of our business. This Returners Programme will be a great addition to our suite of initiatives to help us to attract and retain the best talent.”