The professional internships designed to get mums back into work after a long career break
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Most employers are not aware of "returnship" schemes aimed at giving a route back to work for people who have taken a break in their career, such as mothers, a report shows.
Research by totaljobs found that most employers would offer a return to work programme if there was a Government scheme to help finance it, similar to the apprenticeship levy.
The jobs site said its study of 2,600 jobseekers and 100 employers revealed a lack of awareness of schemes to help mothers or the long-term unemployed, go back to work.
Totaljobs' HR director, David Clift, said: "Returnships are an excellent way of welcoming employees back into the workforce, utilising their skills and making sure talent isn't lost permanently.
"While returnships could be one of the ways of closing the skills gap the UK is facing at the moment, there is much work to be done in educating employers and recruiters on the benefits of such programmes."
What are returnships and how do they work?
(Image: Getty)
A returnship is a professional internship designed to support people that want to get back into employment after a long career break.
It’s a short-term position drawing on existing skills and experience, and may be supplemented with relevant training courses - such as CV writing and interview preparation. It also involves mentoring support and managing the transition from home to office.
Contracts typically last around 3-6 months, with a strong possibility of an ongoing role at the end of the programme.
From the employer’s side, it means staff have (up to date) access to the skills of an experienced professional - and also allows them to prepare them for a longer term position.
Many employers support and hold returnships - to see if your desired workplace is taking part, search their jobs page or ask their HR department.