Government launches STEM returner scheme for women

Announced on International Women’s Day, the government will launch a new returners programme to help women back into STEM careers. Research and employee feedback shows that returning to STEM roles after taking time out to care for loved ones can present significant challenges. This new programme will help organisations to recruit and retain talented staff who are often overlooked because of a gap on their CV, by providing training, development and employment support to those who have taken time out for caring.

“Supporting skilled women to return to STEM careers after care leave will keep talented minds in STEM and improve the representation of women and marginalised communities in those incredibly important roles,” said Baroness Stedman-Scott.

The government has run 25 returner programmes across the private and public sector and will use learning from these initiatives to design the new STEM programme.