Returning talent programme open for applications

Bank of America Merrill Lynch is calling for applications for its fourth annual UK Returning Talent programme, which aims to help bridge the gap between being a stay-at-home parent or carer and re-entering the workplace.

The programme is open to people who have been out of work for a year or more who are invited to apply for one of the 20 available places via the firm’s careers website.

In partnership with the Executive Coaching Consultancy, the firm is looking to attract individuals from a range of backgrounds including finance, legal and other professional services where their most recent role featured a transferable skill set.

The 2015 programme begins with a conference on 20 January 2015 which gives 50 participants the opportunity to explore changes in the workplace through speaker sessions involving past returners.There are also workshops designed to focus on the challenges of re-entering the workplace. Twenty attendees will then be selected to attend two full day workshops on 3 and 5 February 2015 supporting a transition back to work and offering practical guidance on focusing and managing your career search, insights into balancing work and home lives and access to executive coaching. BAML says that at the end of the programme, it is anticipated that participants will feel better equipped and confident to re-enter the world of work.

Sally Shaw who took part in last year’s programme and has since got a job at BAML said: “The Returning Talent programme gave me the confidence to approach prospective employers despite having had a lengthy career break. It helped me to recognise my skills, and gave me some great ideas on how to highlight certain aspects of my CV during the interview process. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone contemplating a return to the workplace.”

Shaw’s manager, Steve Walton, head of Audit, EMEA at the bank, added: “For me, one of the aspects that makes Sally a great addition to our team is the new perspective that time away from the workplace brings. Sally’s appointment has helped re-invigorate colleagues, allowing us to innovate better. For example, her ‘fresh pair of eyes’ helps us to approach our communications in a different way, and articulate our objectives in a more straight-forward manner.”

“Bank of America Merrill Lynch is strongly committed to attracting, recruiting and developing diverse talent, and we recognise that returning to work after time out to care for a family member – whether that be a parent, sibling or child – can be daunting for many,” said Ama Afrifa-Kyei, Diversity and Inclusion manager for EMEA.

“Although there is no guarantee of employment with us at the end of the programme, we hope that many participants will be successful in securing work as a result of their experience. If you are contemplating your return to work, the networking, insight and exposure this programme offers will be invaluable.”

To apply, click here.

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