STEM ‘returners’ programme calls for applications  

Women Returners and STEM Returners have launched the second phase of a return-to-work support programme for engineering professionals.  

STEM ReCharge, which is funded by the government’s Equality Hub, has already helped more than 40 parents and carers return to their careers. 

The programme is providing career coaching, job skills training, mentoring and technical refresh sessions to parents and carers in the Midlands and north of England who want to return to the industry following a career break. 

Insight and lessons learned from the first group of returners, who completed the programme in June and July, are being used to support the second phase of the programme, which will start in October. 

Julianne Miles, CEO of Women Returners, said: “It’s fantastic to see that we’re already making such a positive impact with the STEM ReCharge support programme.  

“After a decade of supporting professionals to return to work, we’re well aware of the multiple challenges returners face, particularly in technical fields.  

“With our first STEM ReCharge cohort, we’re already seeing the power of a targeted support programme, rebuilding confidence, skills, knowledge and networks, to enable these talented returners to get back into great jobs. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the second cohort in October.” 

As well as working with experienced professionals, the project is training local employers to be more inclusive of returners in their recruitment practices. 

The programme has received support from engineering firms across the regions, and local employer volunteers have delivered update sessions on a variety of engineering topics.  

Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, added: “To see the positive impact STEM ReCharge is already having is very rewarding. As an industry, we need to do more to increase the opportunity for returners in STEM and lower the barriers they face when they try to resume their careers.  

“We would like to encourage returners and employers to take advantage of this free programme and work together to help more parents and carers return to work.”  

Returners can apply for the October STEM ReCharge programme here.