Tech giant Thales launches second STEM Returners programme in UK

Following a successful pilot in 2022, global tech giant Thales has teamed up with Hampshire-based STEM Returners for the latter's programme to help engineers get back to work after a break.

Thales in the UK, which serves sectors, which include defence, aerospace, and space, will provide a 12-week STEM Returners programme at its sites in Cheadle, Crawley and Templecombe for up to ten people.

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Returners, based near Southampton, was founded by Natalie Desty in 2017, after she identified the challenges people face when trying to return to work.

READ MORE: Oxfordshire's Orano ties up with STEM Returners to help people return to work

She said: "We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Thales in the UK, who share in our commitment to increase equality in STEM and improve the way people who are on a career break return to work.

"There is a misconception that a career break leads to a deterioration of skills but that could not be further from the truth.

"Only by working together, will we make vital changes in recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector."

Andrew Malone, the engineering director at Thales in the UK, added: "As our business continues to grow, the STEM Returners programme is a key provider to our engineering growth with a previously hidden pool of talent who are experienced, educated, skilled and bring a level of diversity to further enhance our engineering capability.

"We would love for the STEM returners to be part of our team, as we deliver our highly complex systems, products and services to our clients, building a future we can all trust."

The tie-up with Thales UK follows a pilot two years ago, which saw Hayley Holguin ultimately 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, she took redundancy during the pandemic and found it difficult to find a new engineering role.

"It can be daunting going to a new job but even more so after some time away, you worry if you will remember everything, if you are still able to work at the standard you did before and how you will adjust to the work environment again," she said.

"When I saw the ad for STEM Returners, I felt a sense of relief because it is something for people specifically in that situation so there is the support and understanding on both sides."

Annual research from The STEM Returners Index has shown that recruitment bias is the main barrier to returning to work. It also shows women trying to return to industry are more likely to experience recruitment bias than men.

Alongside experience gained from the placement, the STEM Returners project also provides support for the candidate in advice, career coaching, networking opportunities and mentoring. Candidates also have the opportunity to restart their career in a permanent position at the end of the programme.

In 2022, Thales company generated revenues of €17.6 billion with 77,000 employees in 68 countries. In the UK, it comprises over 7,000 experts, including 4,500 highly skilled engineers, across 16 sites.

Since it first launched in 2017, more than 475 STEM Returners candidates have joined programmes across the UK. Find out more about the programme HERE.