STEM ReCharge helps women in the North of England return to tech careers

An initiative aimed at supporting parents and caregivers in the North East to re-enter the fields of technology and engineering is undergoing a transformation.

The latest phase of a complimentary program designed to facilitate a smooth return to work has been inaugurated in Newcastle. Known as STEM ReCharge, this initiative offers a comprehensive package encompassing career guidance, skill enhancement workshops, mentorship and technical update sessions. It caters to individuals residing in the Midlands and the North of England who wish to rejoin the engineering or tech sectors following a hiatus from their careers lasting a year or more.

The program is a collaborative effort between Women Returners and STEM Returners and it is financially supported by the Government Equality Hub. Endorsed by both the Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, and the Minister for Women, Maria Caulfield, the inaugural round of the program held in May provided invaluable assistance to over 40 parents and caregivers.

Interested individuals can now submit their applications for the upcoming session scheduled to commence in October here.

Priyanka Bondre, hailing from Newcastle, shared her experience as a participant in the inaugural program. After relocating to the UK from India in 2019 to be with her husband, she took an extended career break to care for their young daughter. Despite holding a bachelor’s degree in computer science and boasting over a decade of IT industry experience, Priyanka encountered challenges when attempting to reintegrate herself into the workforce.

With her daughter set to begin school in September, STEM ReCharge entered her life at precisely the opportune moment, serving as the much-needed impetus to propel her career forward once again. Priyanka said: “It has been wonderful to be a part of the STEM Recharge programme. The programme gave me a confidence boost to resume my professional journey. I am enrolled in a Data Engineer boot camp and thrilled to reskill and re-enter the workforce.

“People on a career break may lack confidence or doubt their abilities, some may not know where to begin or what to expect. This programme helps to build confidence and develop a career roadmap through Career Coaching and Job Skills workshops, the STEM ReFresh week sessions and the mentoring sessions”.

The program has garnered endorsement from tech companies across the North of England. As an integral aspect of the initiative, volunteers from local businesses have provided immensely valuable update sessions covering a range of tech and engineering subjects. Among the participating employers was Sage, a worldwide technology frontrunner with its headquarters situated in Newcastle.

Fatima Nixon, Talent Acquisition Partner – Pathways, Sage, said: “Digital literacy is key to the UK remaining a global tech hub and access to support must remain at the heart of efforts to increase our country’s tech skills. The post-pandemic world of work has seen both women and carers leave the sector at an alarming rate. If we are to have a diverse and innovative tech industry, we must create paths for them to return to work, which is why we are proud to support STEM ReCharge, which is helping to create sustainable routes into tech careers.”

Newcastle stands out as a pivotal tech hub within the UK, boasting its prominence as a pioneering smart city, thanks to the region’s exceptional digital infrastructure and connectivity.

In response to the challenges faced by those reentering the workforce, STEM ReCharge delivers a holistic program encompassing coaching, training, mentorship, and strategic networking with employers. Moreover, the initiative is actively engaged in equipping local employers with enhanced inclusivity in their recruitment practices, effectively addressing the needs of returning professionals.

Julianne Miles, CEO of Women Returners, said: “It’s fantastic to see that we’re already making such a strong impact with the STEM ReCharge support programme. After a decade of supporting professionals to return to work, we’re well aware of the multiple challenges returners face, particularly in technical fields. With our first STEM ReCharge cohort, we’re already seeing the power of a targeted support programme, rebuilding confidence, skills, knowledge and networks, to enable these talented returners to get back into great jobs. We’re really looking forward to welcoming the second cohort in October.”

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners, said: “To see the positive impact STEM ReCharge is already having is very rewarding. 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.”