A new ‘STEM Returners Programme’ has been launched to help the many STEM candidates who want to return to engineering after a career break but fear that their skills are out of date.

The programme, which has been designed to help them return to their former careers (and to re-train STEM candidates from other industries), is being run jointly by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.

STEM Returners — an industry-wide programme set to attract diverse candidates from all areas of technical STEM — is a structured and paid 13-week placement for professionals returning to work after a career break, or looking to transfer between sectors.

Alongside the experience gained from the work placement, the programme will provide additional support for the returner, such as training, career mentoring, networking opportunities and peer support.

At the end of the programme (with the agreement of the employer and the returner), there will also be the option
for ongoing employment — making this a genuine opportunity to restart careers and prevent talent being wasted.

The STEM Returners Programme is open to all candidates with a STEM background who have taken a career break.

Further details can be found at the Web site (www.stemreturners.com).