More opportunities for those returning to STEM industries

Intermarine UK invests in STEM Returners to support more people to return to employment after a career break.

The return-to-work specialists, based near Southampton, UK, will expand and create more opportunities with leading engineering, tech and defence firms around the UK for professionals to return to the industry.

Intermarine UK provides workforce solutions in marine, offshore wind and nuclear.

Since launching in 2017, STEM Returners says they have helped more than 500 people return to STEM sectors through a 12-week placement programme.

Their research shows many challenges for those returning to work, with recruitment bias against gender, age and race, shown to be the main barrier to entry.

Working with firms including 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 in re-adjusting. At the end of the placement, candidates have the opportunity to permanently join the host organisation.

Natalie Desty, Founder and Director of STEM Returners, says, '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.'