In 2018 Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin group were one of the first employers to launch an innovative pilot programme to provide opportunities for those taking a career break to return to work.

Recognising the value that STEM Returners had to offer and as part of their strategy to create a fully inclusive working environment, Atkins was delighted to run a pilot programme to welcome back much-needed skills to the sector. The programme was a great success with most programme participants now joining the business on a permanent basis in varying roles across the UK.

STEM Returners is delighted to be partnering with Atkins again to offer a new group of returners a route back into the engineering sector and rewarding career in Birmingham within its Infrastructure and Transportation divisions.

Atkins is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Collaborating with clients, they are driven to make the world a better place. They also strive to make a difference in the way they work, from supporting the STEM skills agenda to setting standards as an employer of choice.  Their work enriches people’s lives and the places they live, whether developing smart cities, accelerating connectivity for communities, or transforming design with technology. Opportunities include planning, designing and enabling complex projects and major programmes across transportation, energy and infrastructure.

About Infrastructure:

Infrastructure is the lifeblood of society. Above and beneath the ground, it’s the systems and structures that connect communities, businesses and people - it’s the foundation for progress and prosperity. It’s a school, an airport, an underground station and the roads that take people and goods from A to B. It’s that open green space where we walk our dogs, and it’s what brings clean water to our homes at the turn of a tap.

But, of course, designing great infrastructure takes technical expertise and precision. It also takes imagination and a desire to push technological boundaries to create places and spaces where people want to be.

About Transportation:

Atkins is making transportation more intelligent, safer and more reliable than ever. You’ll work on challenges that bring traditional engineering and new technologies together, creating new ideas and finding intelligent solutions and ways to improve existing infrastructure.

The programme is open to anyone in Birmingham and surrounding areas who have taken any length of a career break, as well as those who wish to transfer sectors but lack the relevant work experience.  Atkins is looking for returners with experience in any of the following areas:

Infrastructure:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Drainage Engineering
• Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
• Environmental Consultancy
• Landscape Architecture
• Process Engineering
• Project Management – Engineering Projects
• Structural Engineering
• Town Planning

Transportation:

• Highways Engineering
• Bridges, Civil and Geotechnical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Transport Planning
• Transport Modelling
• Economics

Candidates signing up to the ‘STEM Returners’ programme will join a paid 16-week structured return to work programme where returners will shadow engineers, take part in personal and professional training and contribute to noteworthy projects.  Participants will also receive confidence training and career mentoring. 

At the end of the 16 weeks, job offers will be made by SNC- Lavalin’s Atkins to those who have shown the necessary skills and aptitude to join the world respected consultancy. This doesn't just work experience, but a genuine opportunity to restart careers within an exciting and diverse organisation.

Philip Hoare, Chief Executive of SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business in UK and Europe said “We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all our staff. By offering experienced candidates a programme of support as they return to the workplace from a career break, we will benefit from increased diversity, a reduced skills gap and access to a set of soft skills that can be overlooked by recruiters”

Natalie Desty, Founder of STEM Returners said “We are so excited to be running a second programme with Atkins.  They have shown that they really value the skills and experience that returners have to offer and have so much diversity and progression to offer returning engineers. They create a supportive and inclusive environment where returners can really thrive and develop”

ATKINS, part of the SNC Lavalin Group, is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability.