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These companies have launched a joint Returnship program for women who want to return to work in some of the most exciting industries in the world
Entain, a global sports betting, gaming and interactive entertainment company, and McLaren F1 Team are launching joint applications for their Returnship program to assist women in STEM careers.
While women are steadily increasing in STEM, there is still a gender gap. In the UK, only 26% of STEM graduates are female and 24% of STEM workers are women. It is urgent to change perceptions about STEM careers, provide more opportunities for women to enter the field, and ensure that both men and women are able to thrive in STEM.
F1 continues to see a rise of female fans with around 40% now being female4. This makes it even more crucial for both companies and individuals to have a diverse workforce to improve customer service. This is another step towards making this change.
Entain CEO Jette Nygaard–Andersen said that the fusion of technology and sport, as well as the desire to help talented women re-enter the workforce, meant that this new programme was a natural step. We share a passion for helping women in STEM to get back on their feet. This programme will help future generations of women to pursue their STEM dreams.
An initial cohort of ten Returnship positions will be formed as part of the program. This provides unique experiences and opportunities at Entain F1 Team or Entain over a period of six months. This programme is tailored to women at various stages of their careers. The successful candidates will be supported by a 1-to-1 transitional coach who specializes in helping them return to work, flexible working, network with senior executives and discuss potential permanent roles after the six-month program. The programme’s website has a complete list of examples for placement positions, including those as back-end and software developers.
Candidates that meet the minimum requirements are sought:
- Minimum 3 months of unemployed, underemployed and reskilling
- At least 2 years prior professional experience
- STEM-focused qualifications or experience, or a personal passion for technology / data/ engineering
Entain is dedicated to integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all aspects of its business. Entain’s EnTrain program is designed to improve access to technology education and diversity training. Entain’s EnTrain programme has the goal to make a positive impact on the lives of more than 1,000,000 people in the world by 2030, directly or through their dependents and families.
Entain x McLaren F1 Team Returnship program also compliments Entain’s existing [email protected] initiative which assists women in their technology careers at its sites in Hyderabad and Manila.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown commented that “We are thrilled to launch the first returnship in F1 in partnership avec Entain.” This is a great opportunity to make real changes in the Engineering and Technology industry. It is also part of our overall commitment making STEM careers more accessible and having 40% of our employees come from under-represented backgrounds by 2030 .”
Formula 1 announced in December 2022 teams for the F1 Academy, an all-female racing series designed for younger drivers. It is scheduled for 2023. Extreme E, a gender-equal motorsport team, has also elevated women in motorsport. These actions demonstrate Entain’s eagerness to help women drivers reach the top of the sport and mirror the goals Entain and McLaren F1 Team hope to achieve with the Returnship program.
