Ryan returned to Hardware Design with Thales via the STEM Returners programme. Read Ryan’s story here:
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU
Based in Christchurch, Dorset.
Education: BSc (Hons) Design Engineering, FDSc, Production Engineering.
Interests: Motorcycling, Hobby electronics.
WHAT IS YOUR WORKING BACKGROUND? IF YOU LIKE TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER BREAK
I worked for many years in electronic manufacturing from production assembly line to later moving into a role of production supervisor. I progressed to a role within electronics hardware design at the same company, working on projects including ship lighting systems for QE class aircraft carriers. The break essentially was moving from electronics design to electrical engineering. The role is quite different as it focussed mainly on systems design and qualification. This was a convenient and well paying job, but lacked in technical fulfilment. The role lasted 4 years.
At that point, I had come into contact with STEM Returners and the position at Thales. This position would offer the technical engineering I was looking to return to.
WHAT BARRIERS HAVE YOU FACED WHEN APPLYING FOR ROLES?
The main barriers I experienced (in the past) have been qualification. I always knew engineering was for me however, until I had completed the degree in design, I was not given opportunity to get properly involved in design engineering, despite having electronics knowledge.
In past years, I would say that experience would in some cases suffice to allow entry into such roles but I think now days, employers want to be able to lean on the fact that designs are created by a qualified engineer (at a recognised institution), and therefore can mitigate liability when things go wrong (sometimes).
WHY DID YOU APPROACH STEM RETURNERS?
STEM Returners offered an introduction to a company I had previously seen on posters. I remembered seeing Thales ship control panel advertised on a poster. It intrigued me enough to do a bit of research on the company. As it turned out, the role was exactly what I was looking for to get back into electronic design. STEM Returners offered the route to get back into this field.
HOW DID STEM RETURNERS HELP?
STEM Returners actually put in significant effort into helping me in this position. As I understand, I was the first employee taken on by Thales through STEM. Anouska (Programme Manager at STEM Returners) spent many hours liaising between myself and Thales, and following up with emails and calls. STEM Returners also offered guidance and support.
In my case, I had been in employment before taking on this role, however I can see how someone not having been employed prior the endeavour of taking up a position would benefit from support.
WHAT WAS THE END RESULT?
The end result was position secured!
HOW HAS THIS CHANGED YOUR CAREER?
It has helped me progress back into hardware design, and at a prestigious company as well. Definitely a positive step on the career ladder.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAMME OVERALL?
I think the programme is a great idea. It taps into, or perhaps creates a bridge between a group of potential employees that, for whatever reason have found themselves in less than ideal situation, and companies that might otherwise overlook such potential employees. For an unemployed person, perhaps lack of confidence and encouragement, can contribute to frustration when being unsuccessful with job applications. Companies tend to question why there is a missing chunk of employment history etc. Well, here there is an opportunity with STEM Returners. Potential employers would already understand this might be the case.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR RETURNERS LIKE YOURSELF?
I think preparation is key. Especially for someone not having been employed for a period of time, preparation will promote confidence when doing an interview.
If you are looking to register your interest in joining a STEM Returners programme please visit Returner Registration – STEM Returners or view our current programme opportunities here