Mott MacDonald and STEM Returners have started the second phase of their 2025 programme to help engineers return to work after 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 Cardiff, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Altrincham, and include civil engineers, electrical engineers and project control engineers.
Sarah Hodgkiss, talent acquisition lead – equality, diversity and inclusion at Mott MacDonald, commented: “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 more than 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.”
Barriers to returning
Recruitment bias against a lack of recent experience as well as gender, age and race are the main barriers returners face when trying to reenter the industry, according to the 2024 STEM Returners Index.
Half (51%) of respondents said a perceived lack of recent experience was a barrier to entry, up from 38% in the 2023 Index.
And more than a quarter (26%) of women said they felt they had personally experienced bias in the recruitment process due to their gender, compared with eight per cent of men.
Career break, not career end
Natalie Desty, founder of STEM Returners, 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.”
To assess the challenges people face when returning to work, STEM Returners is currently 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.
