Tideway extends its returner initiative

Tideway has launched its second returner initiative for professionals who have taken a career break and is extending it to include its delivery partners.

The London-based utility company held its first returner initiative last year, the first outside the banking sector, and is looking for new recruits this year. The initiative involves paid-for internships requiring skills from finance to construction.

Tideway was given an independent licence last year to build the Thames Tideway Tunnel, commonly known as the ‘super sewer’.

Tideway CEO Andy Mitchell, who has expressed his commitment to creating a more diverse workforce, said: “It is widely recognised that one of the biggest pools of untapped talent is with professionals who have taken a break from their career, and then found it difficult to find work in their area of expertise because of the gap of relevant experience in their CVs.

“Building on our successful returner programme from last year, the first outside the banking sector, we have expanded our scheme to include our delivery partners Amey, Costain, Ferrovial Agroman and Laing O’Rourke. This, combined with our flexible working policy, provides a very positive pathway for professionals to return to a fulfilling career.”

Rachel Tomkins, 40, from Hampshire, works full time as a Change Manager at Tideway having applied for a permanent role after taking part in last year’s Tideway Returner Programme. She said: “I served as a Royal Engineer in the British Army before spending nine years at home raising three boys. I was convinced that with my background, restarting my career once they were all at school, would not be an issue, but when I started looking for roles it was clear that CV gaps are generally not viewed favourably.

“It was so refreshing to find that Tideway were offering a returnship programme where experience gained whilst on a career break was truly valued and appreciated. The support to return to full-time work and balance family life has been fantastic and I hope other companies follow suit when it comes to recruiting in the future.”

As it did last year, Tideway is partnering with Women Returners, who specialise in enabling professionals to return to work after an extended career break. Julianne Miles, Co-Founder of Women Returners, said: “The 2015 Tideway Returner Programme was a great success, with a large proportion of the returners taken on into ongoing roles with the organisation.

“Tideway offers a very supportive culture for returning professionals. The value of returnship programmes is becoming increasingly evident for companies in all sectors looking to bring in a diverse range of talent. We are delighted that the Tideway Programme has now extended to incorporate several other leading construction companies.”

Successful candidates will start a 12-week full-time programme on 19th April. There will be additional internship roles offered in September 2016.

*For more details and to apply please visit the Tideway Returners webpage. Applications are open until 26^th February 2016.

For more information about current returner initiatives on offer, visit our Returners page.

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