Am I eligible to apply to the programme?
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- Applicants need to have taken a career break from work due to caring responsibilities (childcare or adult care)
- Applicants need to have been out of work for a minimum of 12 months as at 1 May 2023 (for May cohort), or have been working in a lower paid, lower skilled role than previously held due to caring responsibilities
- Applicants must live in the Midlands or the North of England
- Applicants must have a technology or engineering related qualification and/or previous relevant work experience
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Is this programme only open for women to apply?
No, this programme is open to all genders subject to the criteria above.
I would like to apply but I’m unable to attend the programme in May, can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply and submit your preference to start the programme in October 2023.
I have STEM experience but not within technology or engineering, my experience is in science or mathematics. Can I still apply?
No, this programme is specifically targeting individuals with a technology or engineering qualification and/or previous relevant work experience and who wish to return to the technology or engineering sector. If you have a science or mathematics background you can access lots of free return to work support here and find current return to work opportunities here.
Why is the programme targeting the Midlands and North of England only?
The programme has been set up to support individuals in the Midlands and North of England as our research shows there are fewer opportunities available for returners in these regions. If you do not live in the Midlands and North of England you will not be eligible to apply to the programme. You can however access lots of free return to work support here and find current return to work opportunities here.
Is there a maximum length of career break that means I have been out of work for too long?
No, we fully encourage people who have longer career breaks to apply. If the programme is oversubscribed, we will give priority to applications with longer breaks.
I have previous relevant experience in technology or engineering but I returned to work in another sector and in a lower level role to fit around my caring responsibilities, can I still apply?
Yes you are eligible to apply if you have returned to a lower level, lower skilled role to fit around your caring responsibilities and you want to return to a role in the technology or engineering sector which is more aligned to your work experience prior to your career break.
I have taken a career break for reasons other than caring, can I apply?
This programme is only available to people who have taken a career break for caring related reasons, this could be child care or adult care.
Why is the application form asking about my personal information?
We want to ensure we can fully support you on the programme. By gathering all of the information that we ask for will enable us to tailor the training and provide specific support based on the needs of the group. It also allows us to provide baseline data for government evaluation purposes.
You can access our full privacy notice here for further information.
How long will the application take to complete?
We recommend putting aside 30 minutes to fully complete the application. You can go back between questions but you cannot save and return to the application at a later date.
I am having difficulties completing the application form, can you help?
If you are experiencing any difficulties with the application form please contact us on STEMReCharge@womenreturners.com and one of the team will be able to assist.
When will I find out if I have been successful in securing a place on the programme?
You will be notified of the outcome of your application by 21 April 2023.