A New Opportunity for Individuals Returning to Work in the UK

Returnerships are a new type of employment scheme that provides individuals who have taken a career break, for example, to raise children or care for a family member, with an opportunity to return to work. The scheme is designed to help these individuals update their skills and knowledge, and reintegrate into the workforce, and has been recently announced in the UK as part of the government's efforts to support individuals who have been out of work for an extended period of time.

What are Returnerships?

Returnerships are designed to provide individuals who have taken a career break with a supportive environment to help them rebuild their confidence, develop new skills, and gain experience in their chosen field. They typically include a combination of training, mentoring, and work experience, and may be offered by employers in a range of industries.

The scheme is intended to help individuals who have been out of work for at least two years, due to caregiving responsibilities, illness, or other reasons, and who may have experienced difficulty in returning to the workforce. By providing a structured program of support and training, returnerships aim to help individuals overcome any barriers to re-entry into the workforce, such as outdated skills, lack of experience, or a loss of confidence.

How do Returnerships Work?

Returnerships may be offered by employers or industry bodies, and may vary in their structure and duration. Some returnerships may be designed to provide individuals with a short period of work experience, while others may offer a longer-term training program with the potential for a permanent job offer at the end.

Returnerships typically include a combination of training, mentoring, and work experience. Individuals may be provided with access to training courses, workshops, and other learning resources, to help them update their skills and knowledge. They may also be assigned a mentor or coach, who can provide guidance and support as they re-enter the workforce.

During the work experience component of the returnership, individuals will work with an employer or industry partner, to gain practical experience and develop their skills. They may be provided with a range of tasks and responsibilities, and may work alongside other employees or colleagues. This work experience can provide individuals with a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field, and to develop their confidence and skills.

At the end of the returnership, some individuals may be offered a permanent job or an extended work placement. This can provide a valuable opportunity for individuals to continue to develop their skills and gain further experience, and to build a sustainable career.

Why are Returnerships Important?

Returnerships are an important tool for helping individuals who have taken a career break to re-enter the workforce. They can help to address the skills gap that may exist for individuals who have been out of work for an extended period of time, and can provide employers with access to a wider pool of talent.

Returnerships can also help to address some of the wider issues associated with gender and diversity in the workplace. Women, in particular, are more likely to take career breaks for caregiving responsibilities, and may experience difficulty in returning to the workforce. Returnerships can help to address this issue, by providing a supportive and flexible environment for individuals to return to work.