AWE expands STEM Returners partnership

Published by

Tom Kilkelly

Credit: STEM Returners

Reading-based AWE is expanding its partnership with STEM Returners by launching one of the largest STEM Returners programmes to date.

The programme, launched on National Engineering Day (Wednesday 1 November), will welcome a minimum of 30 industry returners over the next 18 months, across multiple disciplines including science, engineering, and corporate business functions.

Roles will include engineers across all disciplines, physicists, chemists, project managers, compliance and safety professionals, and environmental specialists as well as IT, HR, and project controls.

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners said: “We are delighted to mark National Engineering Day by launching one of our largest programmes to date and expanding our partnership with AWE offering a wide range of exciting opportunities to help more people return to industry.

“STEM Returners and AWE share a common commitment to improving the way the engineering industry views people who take a career break and increase equity in STEM.

''Only by partnering with industry leaders, like AWE, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, helping those who find it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”

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There is a well-known skills shortage in the UK engineering industry. Annual research from STEM Returners has revealed the challenges people face when trying to return to work, following a career break, with recruitment bias shown to be the main barrier to entry.

Simon Perry, AWE’s Head of Talent Acquisition said: “We’re delighted to be more than doubling the numbers we are recruiting as part of our STEM Returner programme after the success of last year’s scheme.

“AWE is striving to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. Our aim is to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion at AWE and encourage diverse applicants.

“Taking a break doesn’t mean a career is curtailed. Through our STEM Returners programme candidates will be able to apply their skills, develop their potential and create their own success.

''Being part of AWE means making a real difference – by playing a crucial role keeping everyone and everything around us safe and secure for generations to come.”

Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022. During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan). His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.