A FEMALE Warrington construction worker has secured a job thanks to a new programme driving gender equality.

Anwesha Gupta was helped to become bid manager at Wates’ Great Sankey construction site through its new returners programme, which aims to improve gender imbalances across the industry.

Following a two-year career break to care for her daughter after moving to the UK, Anwesha struggled to secure a job despite having 11 years’ experience in the civil and structural industry.

Anwesha said: “Most of the time I was told that they saved my CV for future reference.

“It was tricky to secure a further interview as I didn’t have prior UK experience.

“There was a point when I started to feel that it was tough to get a suitable role after a career break.”

The programme’s partnership between Wates and STEM Returners aims to help people return to work after taking a break by giving individuals a range of opportunities across construction business.

Candidates are selected and provided with career coaching and mentoring by return-to-work specialists.

Anwesha said: “There are certain circumstances in people’s lives where they need to interrupt their professional journey in order to take care of other things such as family life and health.

“But that doesn’t mean the end of their career.

“With the help and connection of STEM Returners I am now able to move forward with my career.”

Recruitment bias is the main barrier to entry back to work following a career break, according to annual research from STEM Returners.

Giving candidates real work experience and mentoring during their placement, as well as supporting them to adjust to life back to work aims to eliminate these barriers.

Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: “Only by working together, will we make vital changes in recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and bridge the well-known skills gap while improving diversity and inclusion.”