Don't call it a comeback
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association reveals how the sector can tap into years of knowledge and experience through returnerships.
Kerrin MacPhie
Kerrin MacPhie
Talent acquisition and retention remain significant challenges for the industry. Recruitment challenges have been high on the agenda since the start of the pandemic and have only been reinforced through changes to the EU Settlement Scheme in recent years.
As the pool of available and appropriate candidates has appeared to shrink in size, the sector must continue to demonstrate its ability to adapt, adjust and think outside of the box.
According to mia research, almost half of employers in the sector (47 per cent) are currently employing an apprentice – a rise which suggests employers are already exploring new avenues to fill vacancies. Despite this, just 15 per cent of organisations are currently offering returnerships, with nine in 10 unaware of what they are and how they can benefit from them.
Returnerships are specialised programmes, similar to internships, designed to support individuals who have taken a career break by providing them with training, mentorship and opportunities to refresh their skills and knowledge. Launched by government in 2023, they are typically intended for those who have been out of the workforce for an extended period and therefore may face challenges in securing employment due to gaps in their CV or changes in the industry during their absence. Ultimately, the aim is to enable these individuals to regain confidence, refresh their skills and reconnect with their professional networks, all while supporting organisations in their fulfilment of roles and responsibilities.
A returnership can encompass one of three programmes: apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs). Apprenticeships and most Skills Bootcamps are open to everyone, while SWAPs are specifically for jobseekers who are claiming either Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance.
Last year the government announced funding of £63.2m to increase the availability of Skills Bootcamps and SWAPs, with the aim of delivering 64,000 training opportunities. Not only will these help to address the recruitment challenge, upskilling and reskilling older workers, but it will also help foster a more diverse workforce across the UK.
Over the last six months we’ve been working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to develop a plan to boost the number of returnerships and specifically Skills Bootcamps within the sector. These bootcamps are designed in partnership with local employers to help fill job vacancies in the area, with courses lasting up to 16 weeks to allow employers to gain in-demand skill they’re looking for. Once the bootcamp has been completed, the offer of a job interview must then be provided.
This work currently includes specific focus within Merseyside, however we are keen to extend the conversation into other regions and inspire a pool of candidates across the UK that help support the sector and its ongoing recruitment needs.
Returnerships are something that we encourage the sector not to overlook, and we will be working closely with the DWP in the coming months to help educate and inform employers on how they can implement successful programmes. Employers and employees can find out more information by accessing the toolkit on the government website, however we welcome employers interested in offering a returnership to get in touch with us, where we can refer them to the DWP, support with the development of their programme and help encourage applications.
Employers interested in offering returnerships should email: [email protected]
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