New UK partnership to assist engineers in overcoming career break bias

Oilfield services provider Petrofac has joined forces with the UK-based STEM Returners to launch a new jobs scheme, which will help engineers get back into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related work after a career break.

Thanks to this newly formed partnership, STEM Returners will source people with skills across multiple engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, instrument and process to join Petrofac’s teams in Aberdeen and Woking.

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners, commented: “We are very proud to be entering this new partnership with Petrofac, to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love. Only by partnering with industry leaders like Petrofac, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”

The oilfield services provider disclosed on Monday that the four fully paid placements would allow people to be re-integrated into an inclusive environment upon their return to work.

Richard Cook, Operations Director for Petrofac’s Global Technical Services, remarked: “We know that life sometimes gets in the way, and it can be daunting to get back into a technical role, which is why we’re looking to support and encourage talented people back into the energy industry.”

Furthermore, after STEM Returners’ research revealed the challenges people who have had a career break face – with recruitment bias being the main barrier to entry – this programme is launched to ensure people bypass that potential hurdle.

“Petrofac strives to create an environment where our people can thrive in a culture irrespective of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, background and approach. This partnership and other initiatives are helping to transform our business into a place that promotes diversity and inclusion worldwide,” highlighted Cook.

When it comes to Petrofac’s most recent activities elsewhere, it is worth noting that the oilfield services provider officially took over the operatorship of an FPSO a few days ago on behalf of the Australian government.

Petrofac described this as “a major milestone” and “a huge step in the landmark decommissioning contract which heralds the start of an era of decommissioning in the nation’s offshore oil and gas sector.”