ONLINE electricals firm AO has teamed up with Manchester-based organisations Tech Returners to take on skilled employees.

AO sponsored the seventh cohort of Tech Returners' Return to Tech scheme, which offers a free and accessible route back into businesses for those who've taken a break from the industry.

Four people were successful in applying for a mid-level role at AO following the eight-week programme.

The course provides tech professionals with the resources to refresh their skills and reignite their career. It offers businesses the chance to recruit tech talent.

Individuals on the programme were able to deliver live briefs from AO during the course, giving them the opportunity to impress the retailer.

Carl Phillips, Director of Group IT at AO.com, said: “We were really impressed with everyone on the programme and all of our new AO’ers have the passion and drive to settle in seamlessly on our tech team.

"At AO, we’re really pleased to partner with Tech Returners to remove the barriers returners often face in the industry - and get some fantastic talent on board.”