Low carbon energy firm SSE have launched a new jobs scheme to help people looking to get back into work or following after a career break.

The company is rolling out its STEM returners scheme – with jobs being offered across its Renewables, Transmission, and Distribution businesses, whilst a separate programme runs concurrently in their Thermal operations – following a successful pilot last year.

As the leading generator of renewable electricity in the UK and Ireland and one of the largest electricity network companies in the UK, it has a firm commitment to improve diversity and inclusion.

Every person that joined SSE's pilot scheme went on to be offered a permanent role within the company.

Amanda Harvey, took a career break after the birth of her second child and is now employed as a commercial analyst, with SSEN Transmission. She said: "The STEM Returners journey I have been on has been amazing, I honestly couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling return to work.

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"The process was exactly what I was looking for as a vessel for getting back into my career, but I didn't think anything like this existed.

"I would absolutely recommend the programme to anyone looking to find their way back into industry after a career break. SSE as a company has been brilliant and it feels good to work in an organisation that aligns with my core beliefs."

The programme itself was founded by experienced recruiter Natalie Desty. She said: "Our paid programmes take place over 12-weeks and are designed to help people with STEM skills restart their career.

"We consistently find that mid-senior level engineers are locked out of employment by old fashioned methods when returning, which heavily discriminate against those with CV gaps.

"These often tend to affect diverse groups who are underrepresented in STEM. By changing the way in which the industry sources talent, we can encourage those professionals to return to their careers – helping to fill the STEM skills gap."

"The opportunity provided by SSE is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the benefits of running a programme, helping to source talent for niche roles, whilst helping make our industry more representative of society as a whole."

John Stewart, Director of HR at SSE, added: "We're delighted to roll out the STEM Returners scheme following a successful pilot.

"There is real momentum behind the drive to build a clean green recovery, but we need the people to help us do it, STEM Returners will become a vital tool in helping us reach skilled employees who will be a real asset to SSE."