ICE is working across the civil engineering sector as part of its Civils Comeback scheme to encourage more companies to get involved and offer opportunities across a variety of different sectors.

Working with industry partner AMEY, ICE has developed 12-week internships for those qualified engineers who have taken a career break and want to return to a professional career in engineering. The company is interested in hearing from those who have been on a career break for two or more years and have previously worked as an engineer, particularly women who have taken time off to raise children.

AMEY will work with candidates to support their transition back into engineering by providing a full induction on commencement, access to a mentor, providing career training sessions and 1-2-1 support throughout the 12-week programme. The deadline for the paid internships is April 29.

Seán Harris, ICE director of membership, said: “It will come as no surprise to hear that we need more engineers in both our offices and on site. Industry cannot rely only on new graduates and apprentices to fill the gap; we will also need qualified engineers who have left the industry – as well as those who have the skills, experience and qualifications, to pick up where they left off.

“Returning to work after a career break can be daunting, so we have designed internships to help make up for lost time, as well as guiding individuals back into a professional working environment. To assist our former colleagues return to engineering, the internships will help build confidence and smooth their transition back into engineering teams.”