Following a successful pilot in 2022, global technology giant Thales has partnered with Hampshire-based STEM Returners to implement the latter’s program to help engineers return to work after furlough.
UK-based Thales, which serves sectors including defence, aerospace and space, will offer a 12-week STEM returner program for up to 10 people at its sites in Cheadle, Crawley and Templecombe.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Returners, based near Southampton, was founded in 2017 by Natalie Desty after identifying the challenges faced by people trying to return to work.
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She said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Thales in the UK, who share our commitment to increasing equality in STEM and improving the way people return to work after taking a career break. ”
“There is a misconception that career breaks lead to a decline in skills, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Only by working together can we bring about significant changes to recruitment practices and support those who are finding it difficult to return to the industry.”
Andrew Malone, Engineering Director at Thales in the UK, added: “As our business continues to grow, the STEM Returners program has become a key provider to our engineering growth with a talent pool that brings previously hidden experience, education, skills and results. ” level of diversity to further enhance our engineering capabilities.
“We want STEM returnees to be part of our team as we deliver highly complex systems, products and services to our clients and build a future we all can trust.”
The partnership with Thales UK followed a pilot two years ago, which ultimately saw Hayley Holguin secure a position as a systems engineer.
After seven years of experience in the aviation industry and a degree in mechanical and power plant systems, I went through redundancies during the pandemic and found it difficult to find a new engineering role.
“Starting a new job can be daunting, but even more so after being away for a while, you worry about whether you’ll remember everything, whether you’ll be able to perform to the same standard as before, and how you’ll adapt to the work environment. ,” she said.
“When I saw the STEM Returners ad, I felt a sense of relief because it’s specifically for people in that situation and there’s support and understanding on both sides.”
The STEM Returners Index annual survey shows that hiring bias is a major barrier to returning to work. It also shows that women looking to return to the industry are more likely to experience recruitment bias than men.
In addition to job-search experience, the STEM Returners project also provides candidates with advice, career coaching, networking opportunities, mentoring and other support. Candidates also have the opportunity to restart their career with a regular job after completing the program.
In 2022, Thales had 77,000 employees in 68 countries and generated revenues of €17.6 billion. In the UK, he is made up of over 7,000 professionals, including his 4,500 highly skilled engineers across 16 locations.
Since it first launched in 2017, over 475 STEM returner candidates have taken part in the program across the UK. Click here to learn more about the program.