SSEN Launches New Diversity Programme for Job Hunters on International Women in Engineering Day

SSEN's Eliane Algaard with Kwasi Kwarteng MP

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is providing a boost to people looking to get back into work after a career break, with the launch of a new scheme developed by its parent company SSE.

The organisation is rolling out its STEM* Returners programme, with jobs being offered across its central southern England Distribution business; where the network operator designs, builds and maintains the electricity infrastructure for over 3.1 million homes and businesses.

As one of the largest electricity network companies in the UK, SSEN Distribution is firmly committed to accelerating a green economic recovery, creating capacity for local decarbonisation ambitions and supporting the delivery of the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure critical for the transition to net zero. SSEN is dedicated to improving diversity and inclusion across all levels of the organisation and is looking to further develop the careers of those with STEM skills.

The transition to net zero will create long-term and sustainable jobs across the UK, and SSEN is working to ensure these opportunities are open and accessible. As part of these efforts the STEM Returners programme aims to help people come back into a growing and critical industry.

Eliane Algaard is SSEN’s Operations Director for central southern England, leading a team of over 1,500 people from her working base in Reading, Berkshire. As a chartered civil engineer with an MSc and PhD and a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Eliane has welcomed the STEM Returners programme which will build on skill sets across the organisation and ultimately help aid economic and social recovery from coronavirus through the creation of jobs.

Eliane said: “I am delighted that this scheme to reintroduce highly skilled STEM employees back in to the workforce has launched today, on International Women in Engineering Day.

“As someone who has studied and worked in Engineering for many years, I am aware of the potential challenges. Ultimately though, I am more aware of the rewards and working at SSEN at such an exciting time – as we build and develop our network to help homes and businesses meet their net zero goals and tackle climate change – is hugely rewarding.

“I would encourage anyone who has studied STEM subjects in the past to find out more about the important roles they can play in helping SSEN meet its own green commitments and goals, and achieving a fair transition to net zero for all our customers.”

The programme itself was founded by experienced recruiter Natalie Desty and every person that joined SSE’s pilot scheme – which ran through 2020 – went on to be offered a permanent role within the company.

Natalie 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 programme 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.”