UKAEA has provided pathways back into the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sector for experienced professionals. Working with Hampshire-based STEM Returners, we have created a number of opportunities across the organisation.
People take career breaks for many reasons, including caring responsibilities, health, travel, military service or career changes.
The rapidly changing nature of the STEM sector can mean that resuming a career can be challenging. The STEM Returners programme helps address this by:
- providing a supported route back into STEM careers
- rebuilding confidence and professional networks
- connecting UKAEA with experienced and highly skilled candidates
- supporting greater diversity and inclusion across the UKAEA’s workforce
Following an initial pilot facilitated by UKAEA’s Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education & Research (FOSTER) programme, an additional six roles were recruited via the STEM Returners pathway during the first half of 2026.
Some UKAEA’s STEM Returner stories
One of UKAEA’s STEM Returners, Laura Mysiuk, Process Operations Engineer, joined UKAEA after taking a year-long career break to travel:
The time away gave me a chance to reset and reflect. I realised how much I missed technical problem-solving and wanted to return to engineering long term.
Coming back, I found it difficult to re-enter the sector. STEM Returners understood my background, recognised the value of my experience and helped connect me with a role that aligned with my ambitions.
Today, I’m back in a technical career I care about, and STEM Returners played an essential part in making that possible.
Every role builds skills such as problem-solving, communication, leadership and resilience. Those experiences can make you a stronger and more adaptable engineer.
Hollie Johnston, Project Manager, also joined UKAEA through the STEM Returner’s programme following redundancy from a previous project management role in the nuclear industry:
Following redundancy, I was looking for an opportunity to continue my career in a supportive environment. The STEM Returners programme immediately stood out because it recognised previous experience and potential, rather than seeing a break in employment as a barrier.
Being made redundant was a challenging experience, and it naturally affected my confidence. STEM Returners gave me the confidence to put myself back out there and apply for opportunities I might otherwise have doubted myself for.
There are many talented professionals with valuable experience who simply need an opportunity to demonstrate what they can bring. STEM Returners provides that opportunity.
