Dstl has been running a 12-week STEM returners programme
aimed at giving experienced science, technology,
engineering and maths (STEM) professionals the confidence
to step back in to their careers after taking time away.
Those involved have been working on challenging projects;
in areas including cyber, information systems and defence
and security analysis. Placements were also provided with
the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), which finds
and funds innovative projects from a £800 million Defence
Innovation fund.
Helen Christie, one of Dstl’s Talent Acquisition and
Planning Advisers, said:
The skill set attracted has been excellent. It’s been
brilliant to be able to help people who thought their
technical expertise might never be used again in a
workplace environment. Dstl is committed to a flexible
supportive workplace so that people of all backgrounds
and situations can succeed here and contribute to
providing world-leading science and technology. The
success of the 2018 STEM returners programme is
definitely something we will be building on and therefore
hope to run a similar programme next year. We are also
encouraged by the positive experience expressed by each
returner and we now hope that those involved will have
the confidence to apply for a permanent role at Dstl.
STEM Returner, Tom Shuttleworth, has been working in the
Physical Science Group within Dstl’s Platform Systems
Division, said:
After taking voluntary redundancy from my previous
employment I was considering early retirement, however
for various reasons and boredom, it became apparent I
needed to have a level of stimulation back. When I was
offered a place on the STEM returners open day at Dstl, I
jumped at the chance and was delighted when I was offered
a placement. My role has been varied and challenging and
involved producing a vital guidance document on the
management of restricted materials. It’s been a fantastic
experience and I would definitely recommend this kind of
programme to others who have been out the work place for
some time.
Ann Stanhope secured a place as a STEM Returner in the
Support Services team with DASA, said:
I left a career in the semiconductor industry 20 years
ago and wanted to get back in touch with technology.
Working with DASA has been a very positive experience –
I’ve learnt a lot about how the organisation works,
carrying out a variety of tasks, some harder than others.
The STEM Returners programme is very well run and
dedicated to finding opportunities for people with
different backgrounds.
STEM Returner Giles Moore and been working in Dstl’s
Strategic Systems Group, and said:
My team leader gave me time to explore the organisation’s
systems, build new relationships and come up with ideas
of how I could contribute. I also had the opportunity to
present my thoughts to the team halfway through my
placement. I thought the best way to contribute was to
work on knowledge and graph development because subject
matter experts are always too busy to work on that sort
of thing, and I think it’s important. It’s been a great
experience.
Dstl is also leading the STEM Futures
consortium and actively supports the STEM
Returners programme, with both organisations having an
overall intent to develop talent and enhance the S&T
workforce.
Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners said:
It has been a real pleasure to work with Dstl on this
programme. Right from the outset Dstl recognised the huge
value that returners had to offer and provided fantastic
support and training to ensure their success. Returners
find the barriers to return often insurmountable through
standard recruitment channels, Dstl’s open minded,
flexible and inclusive approach has successfully
restarted careers and brought back valuable lost skills
to the industry.
