STEM Returners, Leonardo UK launch new electronics engineering jobs scheme

Hampshire-based company STEM Returners is partnering with aerospace engineering firm Leonardo to address the skills shortage in the UK engineering industry.

The fully paid placements aim to return or transfer experienced engineers back into industry following a career break, with roles at the business covering software, hardware, firmware and project engineering.

Specifically, Leonardo has launched a new 12-week returners’ programme at its Basildon and Luton sites, building on their existing programmes in Southampton, Luton and Edinburgh.

“We are very proud to be continuing our work with Leonardo to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love,” said Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners. “Only by partnering with industry leaders like Leonardo, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”

You can view STEM Returners availabilities with Leonardo here.

For example, one of the opportunities is for a Systems Engineer (Integrated Sensing Architecture) at the company’s Luton site.

In STEM Returners’ annual survey – The STEM Returners Index (pictured) – 61% of STEM professionals on a career break say they find the process of attempting to return to work either difficult or very difficult, and 36% of returners have felt that bias in the recruitment process has been a barrier to them returning to their career.

“The STEM Returners organisation has a proven track record of bringing experienced and talented STEM professionals into our business, giving us the opportunity to nurture and develop their skills through a bespoke development plan,” said Rob Edmunds, Leonardo’s Head of Major Air Programmes Engineering Transformation. “Previous cohorts have not only had the chance to succeed at Leonardo, their careers have thrived here.”

“The next intake will be working on some of our most exciting technologies and projects, including the Future Combat Air System programme, Tempest. This is a once in a generation opportunity for individuals to contribute to the development of cutting edge sensors and technologies. We need bright, energetic individuals from diverse backgrounds to join our rapidly growing teams to deliver this capability.”