Mott MacDonald launches 2025 returners programme to support STEM professionals back to work after a career break
Mott MacDonald and STEM Returners are joining forces again to help more professionals return to work after a career break.
The 2025 Mott MacDonald programme will help people join the infrastructure sector in a wide variety of roles that are based right across the UK. Opportunities include project management, civil engineer, cost engineer, and environmental and sustainability consultants in locations such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Altrincham, Cambridge, Leeds, Croydon, Reading, Southampton, Bristol and Brighton. The move follows two successful STEM Returners programmes in 2024 and 2023, that helped experienced professionals rebuild their careers or change industries.
Adele White joined Mott MacDonald through the 2024 programme and is now senior environmental and sustainability consultant. She commented: "Mott MacDonald have so much to offer STEM professionals returning to work after a career break. After a hectic time being a family carer and working part time as an NHS Governor, it was time for me to return to the workplace. There is a trust and confidence across Mott MacDonald born out of years delivering best in class projects and technical excellence. It’s an inclusive, dynamic work environment that is supportive and collaborative, one that values its people at whatever life stage you are."
Despite the UK needing 124,000 new engineers and technicians annually to meet demand, research from STEM Returners (STEM Returners Index) shows that people face an uphill battle when returning to work following a career break. Recruitment bias against a lack of recent experience as well as gender, age and race are the main barriers to entry. For example, half (51%) of respondents said a perceived lack of recent experience was a barrier to entry, an increase from 38% in the 2023 Index and more than a quarter (26%) of women said they felt they have personally experienced bias in the recruitment process due to their gender compared to eight per cent of men.
STEM Returners’ programmes aim to eliminate these barriers by giving candidates real work experience and mentoring during their placement, as well as supporting them to adjust to life back in work. At the end of the programme, returners may be offered the opportunity to become permanent employees.
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: “We know there is a skills gap across engineering and nearly half of businesses say they find it hard to recruit. There is a hidden workforce that can fill those roles immediately, if they are given the chance.
“We are proud to be launching our new programme with Mott MacDonald, who shares our objectives of increasing the numbers of returners in the workplace, helping people understand the benefits of diversity and raising awareness of unconscious bias to provide an inclusive platform to bring talented professionals back to the industry.”
Sarah Hodgkiss, talent acquisition lead – equality, diversity and inclusion at Mott MacDonald commented: “Our returner programme reflects our commitment to employing brilliant people and trusting them to do brilliant things. We recognise the immense value that experienced professionals bring when re-entering the industry, and we’re dedicated to providing the support, training and flexibility they need, and empower them to succeed. With so many opportunities to collaborate, learn and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.”
Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, more than 500 people have joined programmes across the UK and returned to work.