STEM Returners is delighted to be partnering with Leonardo on a brand-new STEM Returners pilot. The company, which employs over 7,500 people across the UK, is keen to recruit experienced engineers whose skill sets are needed to fulfil several roles across their long-term programmes, set to run to 2040.
Leonardo recognises that returners often face an insurmountable barrier to returning to work after a career break, be that because of a perception by hirers of a deterioration of skills, or a lack of flexibility. This ground-breaking programme shows career break returners that Leonardo values the skills that they have gained whilst out of industry by enabling a return to their career in a flexible and inclusive way.
Leonardo’s Deputy Head of Electronics Engineering, Dr Carol Marsh, who has just been awarded an OBE for services to diversity and inclusion in electronics engineering, is a returner herself. Carol worked for Leonardo as a Digital Engineer at the start of her career and after moving on to work at other companies, she took a four-year career break in her 40s to study a Doctorate of Engineering in System Level Integration, before returning to Leonardo.
She hopes that the STEM Returners programme will increase the diversity of Leonardo’s workforce, by helping STEM Returners to reframe applicants’ perception of their own abilities, based on the positive contribution they can make as experienced professionals, who are bringing transferable skills they have acquired through other roles.
The programme is open to men and women who have taken any length career break, as well as those who wish to transfer sectors but lack the relevant work experience. Leonardo is looking for returners to fill the following roles:
- RF Engineers
- Digital Hardware Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Project Engineers
Candidates accepted for the ‘STEM Returners’ programme will join a paid 12-week structured return to work programme. At the end of the 12 weeks, job offers may be made by Leonardo to those who have shown the necessary skills and aptitude. This is not just work experience, but a genuine opportunity to restart your career.
If you have been away from your STEM career and are looking for an opportunity to return, then Leonardo’s returners programme offers you the support needed to develop your technical and professional skills. As well as offering one-to-one mentoring and a learning environment like no other, at Leonardo you will also get involved in projects that will really make a difference.
“There are lots of initiatives to cater to the next generation of STEM workers, but the STEM Returners programme is aimed specifically at those wishing to go back to engineering mid-career,” said Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners.
Nerys Thomas, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Leonardo, said: “We are excited to be launching the STEM Returners Programme. We know there is a large pool of skills and talent looking to return to work and we are ready to support you in taking that step. We offer an array of exciting roles across our UK sites, with flexible working options to help you achieve the perfect balance between career and home life, and to ensure your smooth transition back to the workplace. We are looking forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to our company.”
If you would like to return to engineering with the Leonardo STEM Returners programme then apply here