STEM Returners has successfully secured investment from Intermarine UK to support its mission of helping more people on a career break return to employment.
Photo details: Natalie Desty, STEM Returners with Nick Mansell, CEO of Intermarine UK
The investment will allow the return-to-work specialists, based near Southampton, to expand and create more opportunities with leading engineering, tech and defence firms around the UK for professionals to return to the industry.
Since it launched in 2017, STEM Returners has helped more than 500 people return to the STEM sector through their 12-week placement programme. Annual research from STEM Returners (STEM Returners Index) has found that many people face challenges when returning to work following a career break, with recruitment bias against gender, age and race, shown to be the main barrier to entry. Working with leading STEM firms, such as Leonardo UK, Boeing, Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and E.ON, the programme aims to eliminate these barriers by giving candidates real work experience and mentoring during their placement, as well as supporting them to adjust to life back in work. At the end of the programme, candidates have the opportunity to join the host organisation on a permanent basis.
Headquartered in South Wales, Intermarine UK provides holistic workforce solutions in the marine, offshore wind and nuclear sectors, bridging skills gaps and helping customers deliver strategically important programmes.
Nick Mansell, Chief Executive of Intermarine UK, said: “The incredible work of our people has always been at the centre of our companies, as we address skills shortages and support the delivery of complex programmes. We are thrilled to be investing in STEM Returners, a proven and ambitious business, and look forward to working with the team to help them grow and bring technical skills back to the wider science and engineering industries.”
Natalie Desty, Founder and Director of STEM Returners, said: “When I started STEM Returners six years ago, I wanted to support more people back to the industry they love. Through this investment, we will be able to increase our capacity to run more returner programmes as well as develop our policy and research output that will lead to positive and lasting change. There is a misconception that a career break means the end of someone’s career, which could not be further from the truth. We are looking forward to working with Nick and the Intermarine team to ensure returners are not put at a disadvantage because of their career break.”
Photo details: Natalie Desty, STEM Returners with Nick Mansell, CEO of Intermarine UK