STEM Returners programme becomes integral part of BAE Systems attraction strategy
Last September, BAE Systems Maritime embarked on an innovative pilot of STEM Returners programme (an initiative run by the IMarEST and Women's Engineering Society) to attract back engineers after a career break. Recognising the value that experienced engineers had to offer and the barriers that they faced to return to their vocation, BAE Systems Maritime was delighted to run a pilot programme to welcome back much needed skills to the industry. The programme was an overwhelming success and 100% of programme participants have now joined the business on a permanent basis in varying roles across several sites. BAE Systems was impressed by the fantastic capabilities and skills of those returning and STEM Returners are delighted to be partnering with them again to offer a new group of returners a route back to a rewarding career at Portsmouth Naval Base or at nearby Broad Oak.
BAE Systems Maritime designs and manufactures naval ships and submarines, as well as their state-of-the-art combat systems and equipment. They also offer an array of associated services, including training solutions, maintenance and modernisation programmes to support ships and equipment in service around the world and the management of supporting infrastructure.
BAE Systems recognises that returners often face an insurmountable barrier to returning to work after a career break, be that because of a perception by hirers of a deterioration of skills, or a lack of flexibility. This ground-breaking programme shows career break returners that BAE Systems values the skills that they have gained whilst out of industry by enabling a return to their career in a flexible and inclusive way.
The programme is open to men and women in Portsmouth and surrounding areas who have taken any length career break, as well as those who wish to transfer sectors but lack the relevant work experience. The company is looking for returners with experience in one of the following areas:
- Civil Engineer
- Naval Architect
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Safety Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Electrician
- Systems Engineer
- Radio Frequency Engineer
- Power Electronics Engineer
- Logistics Engineer
Candidates signing up to the ‘STEM Returners’ programme will join a paid 12-week structured return to work programme, which will include soft skills training, technical training and on the job experience, as well as coaching and mentoring support.
At the end of the 12 weeks, job offers will be made by BAE Systems Maritime to those who have shown the necessary skills and aptitude to join the engineering specialists. This isn’t just work experience, but a genuine opportunity to restart careers within an exciting global organisation.
Candidates wishing to apply for the second programme can do so through: https://www.stemreturners.com/company/bae-systems/
Dr Graham Farnell, Engineering Director, BAE Systems Maritime Services, said: “Finding exceptional talent to help us deliver first class engineering and technical support to our customers is fundamental to our business.
“The work we do across the engineering disciplines to design, build, maintain and upgrade ships, and the support and equipment we provide to people, is absolutely vital in assisting the Royal Navy achieve its operational commitments on behalf of the UK across the globe.”
Kat Bruce, one of last year’s STEM Returners said: “After only 6 weeks of the 12-week programme, my skills were recognised and I was encouraged to interview for an internal permanent position as Senior Project Engineer that had become available within the area that I was working. I was delighted to be offered the job and now have an opportunity to work within an exciting engineering environment which is my true passion. I have also been supported and encouraged to re-gain my IMechE Chartership within the next 6 months which is great.”
Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners said “We are so excited to be running this programme again with BAE Systems Maritime. They have shown that they really value the skills and experience that returners have to offer which was demonstrated in them offering permanent roles to all their returners. They create a supportive and inclusive environment where returners can really thrive”
