A huge congratulations to Ian for being made permanent as Design and Safety Process Engineer at Babcock International Group after completing the STEM Returners programme, after a three year career break.
Here is Ian’s story:
“I found out about Babcock’s involvement with the STEM Returners programme through my neighbour who works for the company.
I had been looking for work since returning from 3 years living on the Isles of Scilly. Prior to this I worked for 7 years as a Therapy Radiographer in Cheltenham. I gained my degree in Radiotherapy and Oncology after leaving the RAF. Unfortunately, the right position was not available in the SW of England for me to continue in the NHS.
My career in the RAF was as an Avionics Engineer, so I felt the STEM Returners programme was an ideal route for me to come back into engineering, particularly in what was a completely new role for me. There would have been no way I would have applied for a Design and Safety Process Engineer, had I seen an advert outside of the programme. Once I started however, I found that I had relevant experience and transferrable skills both from the RAF and NHS. The support of a company such as Babcock was a definite factor in deciding to apply for this particular role.
Since completing the 12-week (paid) introduction, I have been taken on in a permanent position. Babcock has an “on-boarding” process which was helpful and tailored goals produced by my department provided structure to the time. The ongoing contact and support from STEM returners during this time was particularly useful.
I would wholeheartedly recommend applying through STEM returners. Don’t be “put-off” by wording in role adverts, as I am sure you will find (like I did) that your previous engineering experience, alongside the life experience you have gained outside of engineering, will more than make up for any lack of experience in any particular role.”
If you are struggling to return to work after a career break of any length, you can register your interest in joining a STEM Returners programme, here.