Posted on Wednesday 13th November 2024
Shumaila Hisham now works at G.E. Vernova after reaching out to Staffordshire County Council’s Jobs and Careers service.
A mechanical engineer returning to work after a career break has credited a council recruitment service with helping her land her dream job.
On National Engineering Day today (Wednesday 13 November), Shumaila Hisham reflects on her journey back into the industry and her new role with Stafford-based multinational G.E. Vernova. She landed the position after reaching out to Staffordshire County Council’s Jobs and Careers service for support.
She is one of hundreds each year who turn to the fully funded recruitment service for support in entering fields like engineering, manufacturing, and logistics.
Shumaila shared that working with the employment experts at Staffordshire Jobs and Careers boosted her confidence and, importantly, connected her to the government’s STEM ReCharge program, where she refined her resume and interview skills.
Shumaila said:
“Mechanical engineering has always been my passion and I really wanted to get back into it after taking a break to care for my family. There are so many opportunities in Staffordshire, but I needed some advice on how to navigate the local job market.
“It was always such a positive experience working with the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers employment brokers – they really took the time to understand what was right for me and had a lot of knowledge about the local job market.
“For other recruiters, I was just a CV. But with Staffordshire Jobs and Careers, I was an individual with transferable skills which was very positive for me.
“This National Engineering Day, I’m calling on anyone looking to get into engineering to get in touch with Staffordshire Jobs and Careers. Whether you have direct engineering experience like me or want to find out more about the roles and transferable skills that can get you into the profession, it’s well worth getting in touch.”
Tom Wright, Shumaila’s line manager and Head of Technology Solutions at G.E. Vernova, is impressed with how Shumaila has performed so far.
Tom said:
“Her interview attitude was very positive and answered the questions in a structured, logical and concise way. This showed real problem-solving experience and rational thinking, which is key in an engineering design team.
“Since joining the team, Shumaila has gone from strength to strength, completing design training early and then implementing it challenge after challenge. So far, there has been nothing she has not overcome. Shumaila has meshed into the team well and, if I hadn’t known previously, I would never have thought she had taken a career break.
“I am really pleased to have her in the team and I look forward to working with her for many years.”
Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for employment and skills, said:
“Staffordshire Jobs and Careers is here to support anyone in finding the job, skills, or training they need - whatever stage they’re at in their career. Shumaila’s success is a perfect example of what’s possible.
“Many people want to re-enter the workforce after a break or pursue a career change but aren’t sure where to begin. Our recruitment experts provide free, one-on-one sessions that focus on identifying transferable skills as well as any additional training or development needed.
“With nearly 12% of local jobs in manufacturing and over 10,000 current vacancies, there has never been a better time to explore new opportunities in the field.”
Browse all engineering and manufacturing jobs or register an interest to get help from an expert employment broker on the Staffordshire Jobs and Careers website.
Watch on YouTube: Shumaila secures dream job thanks to county council recruitment agency