TEN new roles have been created at Hinkley Point C in order to kickstart EDF's second programme to help people return to work after a career break.

With more roles set to be made available in future, the initiative aims to help candidates with a background in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) return to work after a career break.

The new programme, held in partnership with STEM Returners, follows a successful scheme within EDF’s Renewables business last year.

The initiative encompasses all of EDF's nuclear business, but will first include roles at Hinkley Point C, with roles across other teams within the EDF Nuclear Family to follow.

Initially ten roles will be available and will include positions such as Business Architect, Cost Engineer, Project Quality Engineer, Document Controller and PMO Analyst, although further positions are set to be made available.

STEM Returners will source candidates for the programme, which acts as a ‘returnship’, supporting experienced engineers back into industry following a career break.

The programme hopes to allow candidates to be re-integrated into an inclusive environment without the associated recruitment bias against those who have been unemployed.

Successful candidates may be offered full-time positions at EDF upon the completion of their six-month fixed term contract

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with EDF and helping more people return to industry after a career break.

"There is a well-known skills shortage in the UK engineering industry, but despite a clear need for people, professionals who have had a career break are often overlooked. 

"Only by partnering with industry leaders like EDF, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and bridge the skills gap while improving diversity and inclusion.”

Stuart Smith Murray, Issue Resolution Technical Manager, said: “Hinkley Point C gives me that flexibility to plan my day, to plan my time.

"I can work in different locations, I can work at home sometimes, other times I might be in the office or in a different country.

"I have that freedom to do what I think is best for me, taking into account what also is needed by the project.”