TRICIA PHILLIPS

02 is offering Returnship Roles to men and women who have had between two and 10 years out of the workplace, who are looking to return at a level matching their experience.

It has 16 new roles for people who have taken time out from their career and who have a passion for technology.

It’s the second year of the scheme, run in association with returnship experts Women Returners, which offers successful applicants the chance to use and grow their tech and business acumen with 02.

It includes mentoring from both 02 and Women Returners with regular training sessions to get up to speed on everything from digital tools to new time management practices.

Ann Pickering, 02 HR Director, said: “Last year, we set ourselves the challenge of finding and supporting an untapped pool of talent – men and women who have taken career breaks. Many of these are highly experienced, but lack the right opportunities and support to consider a return to the workplace.

“In 2016 we saw eight of our 12 returners go on to take senior roles at 02. This year, we are looking to take on 16 people.”

Cathy McDonnell, mother of three, Operations Data Consultant at 02 and a career returner, recommends returnships to everyone.

“After a nine-year break, I joined 02’s Career Returners programme,” she said. “Any initial worries about a lack of modern-day technology skills disappeared when they buddied us up to help us use the latest smartphones and applications.”

Deadline for applications is June 30. Apply at wrpn.women returners.com/o2-careerreturners-programme-2017/