As the trend of taking career breaks continues to rise in the UK, with around 90,000 individuals stepping away from their jobs annually, the concept of a “returnship” is gaining significant traction. These programmes, designed specifically for those who have been away from the workforce for an extended period, offer a structured and often paid opportunity to ease back into professional life.
Career breaks can be taken for various reasons, including raising children, travelling, caring for ageing relatives, or pursuing new skills. While such breaks can contribute to personal development and growth, re-entering the job market after a significant absence presents its own set of challenges. Returnships have emerged as a crucial tool for bridging this gap.
Gary Clark, Director of Basecamp, a Ski Academy in the travel sector, emphasised the value of returnships: “A returnship is a structured and often paid internship or short-term employment opportunity designed specifically for individuals who have been out of the workforce for a significant period. Also known as a return-to-work programme or re-entry programme, a returnship aims to help them refresh their skills, build confidence, and reacclimate to the professional environment.”
Clark highlighted that many individuals choose career breaks to follow personal passions, such as taking a gap year to become a ski instructor. Although pursuing such interests can be rewarding, returning to a daily work routine may require additional support. “Settling back into a daily routine may take some time, and some assistance could go a long way,” he added.
Addressing Skill Gaps and Industry Changes
For those who have been away from their careers, concerns about outdated skills, industry changes, or perceived gaps in experience can be daunting. Returnships offer a valuable opportunity to address these issues by providing up-to-date training and hands-on experience. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking to update their knowledge and rebuild professional networks.
Facilitating Career Transitions
For those considering a career change or transitioning to a different industry, returnships can serve as a crucial stepping stone. They allow individuals to gain relevant experience and showcase their transferable skills to potential employers who might otherwise be hesitant to consider candidates without direct experience in the new field.
In rapidly evolving sectors like technology or medicine, the need to stay current with advancements is paramount. A returnship offers a platform to update technical skills, learn new tools and methodologies, and gain practical experience with the latest innovations.
Rebuilding Professional Networks
A career break often leads to a dormant or outdated professional network. Returnships provide a valuable chance to reconnect with industry contacts, meet new colleagues, and engage with mentors. This network-building can offer guidance, support, and potential job opportunities in the future.
Benefits for Companies
Returnships are not only advantageous for individuals but also offer benefits to companies. By implementing returnship programmes, businesses gain access to a diverse talent pool, leverage the experience of professionals returning to the workforce, and foster an inclusive work culture. This approach can enhance organisational diversity and enrich company perspectives.
How to Prepare for a Returnship
For those interested in pursuing a returnship, several steps can be taken to maximise the opportunity:
- Research Returnship Programmes: Investigate companies in your desired industry that offer returnship programmes. Look for organisations known for supporting career returners and providing meaningful opportunities.
- Update Your Skills: Assess which skills and knowledge may have become outdated during your break. Enrol in relevant courses, attend workshops, or pursue certifications to enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
- Network: Reconnect with professional contacts, attend industry events, and engage with online communities related to your field. Expanding your network can lead to returnship opportunities and future job prospects.
- Revise Your CV and Prepare for Interviews: Highlight your transferable skills, relevant projects or initiatives pursued during your career break, and your willingness to learn and adapt. Tailor your CV for each returnship application and practice your interview skills to address concerns related to your career break.
Returnships offer a vital pathway for individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended break. They provide an opportunity to update skills, gain relevant experience, rebuild professional networks, and restore confidence. For those transitioning back into their careers, exploring returnship programmes can be a strategic step towards achieving professional goals.
For more information, visit Ski and Snowboard Instructor Courses | Basecamp (basecampgroup.com).