MOTT MacDonald and STEM Returners have started the second phase of their 2025 programme to help engineers return to work following a career break.
The STEM Returners programme gives those on the scheme paid work experience and mentoring, as well as support as they adjust to life back in work. At the end of the programme, returners can be offered the opportunity to become permanent employees.
The new roles will be based at Mott MacDonald offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as Cardiff, Bristol, Cambridge, and Altrincham, and include civil engineers, electrical engineers, and project control engineers.
Despite the UK needing 124,000 new engineers and technicians annually to meet demand, research from STEM Returners (STEM Returners Index) shows that people face an uphill battle when returning to work following a career break.
Sarah Hodgkiss, talent acquisition lead – equality, diversity and inclusion at Mott MacDonald, said, “Supporting professionals back into their careers after a break is not only the right thing to do, but also vital for building the diverse, inclusive and innovative workforce we need for the future. I am thrilled that we have welcomed over 10 returners to the business so far, who have all brought valuable skills, perspectives and experience that strengthen our teams. This programme is an important part of our commitment to creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
Recruitment bias against a lack of recent experience as well as gender, age, and race have been identified as barriers returners face when trying to re-enter the industry, according to the STEM Returners Index.
Natalie Desty formed STEM Returners in 2017 after she saw how hard it was for people to return to work with a gap on their CV. She said, “We know there is a skills gap across engineering and nearly half of businesses say they find it hard to recruit. There is a hidden workforce that can fill those roles immediately if they are given the chance. A career break does not mean a career end. By continuing our partnership with Mott MacDonald, we hope to provide a safe and structured way of supporting more people back to the industry.”
Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, more than 600 people have joined programmes across the UK and returned to work. To assess the challenges people face, STEM Returners is asking individuals to complete the 2025 STEM Returners Index. The survey is anonymous and asks a range of questions, including reasons for a career break and what challenges were faced when attempting to return to work.
To view STEM Returners’ opportunities, visit https://stemreturners.com/live-programmes/.
