Entain and McLaren F1 Team open the doors for women to return to work

 Entain and the McLaren F1 Team are today launching applications for their joint Returnship programme, to help reignite the careers of women returning to roles in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

While the representation of women in STEM is steadily incresing 1, there remains a significant gender imbalance, in the UK, just 26% of STEM graduates are women and only 24% of the STEM workforce are women2. There is an urgent need to change the perceptions of careers in STEM, open more opportunities for women to pursue careers in the field, and help both women and men thrive equally in STEM. 

As 26% of sports bettors globally are now female, and F1 continues to experience a rise in female fans, with approximately 40% of fans now female, it has become even more important for both companies to reflect the customer experience by having a diverse workforce. 

Jette Nygaard-Andersen, Entain CEO, said: "The fusion of technology, sport and entertainment, and desire to support talented women re-entering the workforce meant that launching this brand-new programme with our partner, McLaren, is an obvious step. We share a passion and commitment for giving women a platform to reignite their careers in STEM and hope taht through this programme, we not only support a generation of ambitious women now but inspire future generations of girls to land their dream STEM role". 

As part of the programme, an initial cohort of ten Returnship places will be created, offering unique opportunities and experience at either Entain or the McLaren F1 Team over a six-month period. The programme is designed to suit different women at different stages in their carrer, with successful candidates being supported by a 1-1 transitional coach specialising in returning to work, flexible working, networking with senior executives, and an opportunity to discuss permanent role opportunities after the sex-month programme. 

Candidates who meet the following minimum criteria are being sought: 

• At least 3 months unemployed, underemployed or reskilling
• At least 3 years prior professional experience
• STEM focused qualifications or experience or a personal and evidencable passion for technology / data / engineering

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, commented: "We are excited to be launching the first returnship of its kind within F1 in partnership with Entain. This is an opportunity to drive real change within the Engineering and Technology industries and is part or four overall commitment to making STEM careers more accessible to all, and to having 40% of our employees rom under-represented background by 2030".