Support scheme launched for Parents and Carers wanting to return to the STEM industry
By Rich Wilcock
15th Mar 2023 | Technology
Parents and carers who are aiming to go back into STEM industries following career breaks can apply for a new government programme delivered by Women Returners and STEM Returners.
The scheme is also open to employers in Cheshire who may want to access the talent pool but would need help in doing so.
In the Uk, there are currently 75,000 people with a majority of those women, who are economically inactive due to caring responsibilities and had a STEM occupation before taking a career break. The STEM ReCharge Initiative has been launched and funded by the Government Equality Hub and will provide free-of-charge return-to-work coaching, job skills training and sector-specific mentoring alongside where applicable, knowledge updating to returners with tech or engineering experience.
Julianne Miles, CEO of Women Returners, said: "Over the last 9 years, we have seen the multiple challenges parents and carers face when trying to return to professional roles after a long career break.
"More support is needed around the UK, but particularly in the Midlands and the North. Working together with local employers, we can create more supported routes back to work for parents and carers and continue to dismantle the career break penalty that is so evident in STEM."
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: "As an industry, we need to do more to increase the opportunity for returners in STEM and lower the barriers they face when they try to resume their careers.
We would like to encourage returners and employers to take advantage of this free programme and work together to help more parents and carers return to work."
Alongside the scheme for work returners, Women Returners and STEM Returners, will also provide free training and support for 30 STEM employers in the Midlands and North of England to help them better recruit and retain talent within this talent pool.
Insight events for employers will be taking place in April, with details below on where and when;
LEEDS: Monday 24 April, 0930 to 1100, Bruntwood Scitech, Platform, New Station St, Leeds LS1 4JB.
Supported by Leeds City Council.
LIVERPOOL: Tuesday 25 April, 0930 to 1100, The Women's Organisation, 54 St James St, Liverpool L1 0AB.
Supported by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
BIRMINGHAM: Wednesday 26 April, 0930 to 1100, Birmingham City Centre location TBC
Supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Returners can apply for the STEM ReCharge programme by clicking this link
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