Beginning his career as a Technician apprentice Vaughan had created a long and varied work history, specialising most recently in Project Management. Spending most of his career in permanent roles, Vaughan was unsure how best to apply his skills to a rewarding second career after his last short term contract ended and he found himself on a career break. Finding it difficult to engage with a faceless recruitment process, Vaughan applied to join the BT STEM Returner programme and 3 months later is starting his new permanent role after receiving full training in Network Planning. Here is his story:
Why did you approach STEM Returners?
I was fed up with searching and applying for roles feeling that my CV was being sent in to a black hole. Having a career break on my CV really seemed to affect how my CV was viewed by recruiters and I started to become disillusioned. When I read about the STEM returner’s partnership with the biggest Telecoms provider in the UK, I saw the 12 week work experience programme and the potential job roles available on completion as an opportunity not to be missed.
How did STEM Returners help?
This programme gave me an opportunity to return to the workplace, gain experience, and to showcase and be judged on my skills rather than just a CV placed in front of someone, usually not the hiring manager, to make a snap decision on my suitability. I was also provided with pre-start coaching, which helped a lot with confidence and the potential stresses with returning to the workplace after a number of months away.
What was the end result?
Following a 12 week programme where I received lots of valuable training and met some great people I was delighted to be offered a permanent role, which I have accepted. I am excited to see where the organisation continues to take me.
How has this changed your career?
This opportunity has completely reignited my career. It has brought me back into a sector I’ve always enjoyed working in and felt lost to just a few short months ago. The ability to get directly in front of the hiring manager and showcase my ability has changed everything.
Would you recommend the programme?
Yes definitely, if you are accepted into the programme you have a perfect opportunity to sell yourself in the workplace. STEM Returners simply cuts through the noise to get you in front of the hiring manager and eases you back with confidence training and a structured programme, the rest is down to you.