Rolls-Royce has formed a new partnership to support engineers back to work after a career break.
The aerospace giant’s defence division will offer a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) ‘returnship’ scheme at its site in Filton, South Gloucestershire.
Successful applicants will take on skilled engineering and project management roles, including on the Tempest fighter jet programme and Orpheus, a project developing efficient low burn engines.
The company will work with the STEM Returners organisation on the scheme, a group which previously worked on a similar job initiative with Somerset-based defence giant Leonardo.
Alex Zino, director for business development and future programmes at Rolls-Royce, said: “For Rolls-Royce it is a unique opportunity to identify and recruit experienced, capable and professional individuals who are highly valued and can make a real difference to our growing business.
“Once fully embedded back in business we have an exciting portfolio of international Future Programmes that provide a range of diverse opportunities, where people can expand and develop their skills.”
STEM Returners said research it had conducted found 66% of STEM professionals on a career break find the process of returning to work either difficult or very difficult. Nearly half (46%) of respondents said they “felt bias” because of a lack of recent experience.
Director Natalie Desty said: “People wanting to return to work after a career break face an uphill battle, especially when they want to return to STEM industries.
“We are very proud to be entering this new partnership with Rolls-Royce, to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love. Only by partnering with industry leaders like Rolls-Royce, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”
Since STEM Returners first launched in 2017, more than 310 STEM Returners candidates have joined programmes across the UK.
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