Last September BAE Systems embarked on an innovative pilot programme to attract back engineers after a career break. Recognising the value that experienced engineers had to offer and the barriers that they faced to return to their vocation, BAE Systems have now welcomed back 30 returners to various parts of their business on a permanent basis. BAE Systems has been impressed by the fantastic capabilities and skills of those returning and STEM Returners are delighted to be partnering with them again to offer a new group of returners a route back to a rewarding career in Cumbria.
BAE Systems in Barrow employs around 9,000 people working on the UK’s single biggest defence investment programme. The economic impact of the construction of the Royal Navy’s submarines, the most modern in the world, is significant. Around 5,000 suppliers across every region of the UK have been involved so far with more than £3.1bn spent between 2014 and 2018.
BAE Systems 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 BAE Systems values the skills that they have gained whilst out of industry by enabling a return to their career in a flexible and inclusive way.
The programme is open to men and women in Cumbria and surrounding areas who have taken any length career break, as well as those who wish to transfer sectors but lack the relevant work experience. The company is looking for returners with experience in one of the following areas:
- Electrical Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Naval Architects
- Electromagnetic Engineers
- Shock and Vibration Engineers
- Product Safety Engineers
- Human Factors Engineers
- Software Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Materials Engineers
- Radiation Physics and shielding
- Engineering Authority
- Civil Engineers
- Information Security
- IM&T Assistant/Co-ordinator
Candidates signing up to the ‘STEM Returners’ programme will join a paid 12-week structured return to work programme, which will include soft skills training, technical training and on the job experience, as well as coaching and mentoring support.
At the end of the 12 weeks, job offers will be made by BAE Systems Submarines to those who have shown the necessary skills and aptitude to join the engineering specialists. This isn’t just work experience, but a genuine opportunity to restart careers within an exciting global organisation.
Candidates wishing to apply for the second programme can do so through: https://www.stemreturners.com/company/bae-systems/
Kat Bruce, one of last year’s STEM Returners said: “After only 6 weeks of the 12-week programme, my skills were recognised and I was encouraged to interview for an internal permanent position as Senior Project Engineer that had become available within the area that I was working. I was delighted to be offered the job and now have an opportunity to work within an exciting engineering environment which is my true passion. I have also been supported and encouraged to re-gain my IMechE Chartership within the next 6 months which is great.”
Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners said: “We are so excited to be running another programme with BAE Systems in a new location. BAE have shown that they really value the skills and experience that returners have to offer which has been demonstrated in them trialling this initiative in various locations, and most importantly offering permanent position to their returners. They create a supportive and inclusive environment where returners are really thriving.”
