Bolton-based missile maker MBDA helping more women back into work

MBDA, which has a major facility in Lostock, says that the new programme will help people, especially women, who have taken career breaks back into work.

The company plans to work with the STEM Returners programme to help 10 professionals across its Bolton, Bristol and Stevenage sites back into operations and engineering roles.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

STEM Returners director Natalie Desty said: “We are delighted to be working with MBDA, who share in our commitment to increase equity in STEM and improve the way people who are on a career break return to work.

“There is a misconception that a career break leads to a deterioration of skills but that could not be further from the truth.

MBDA's Lostock site (Image: MBDA)

“Only by working together, will we make vital changes in recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and bridge the gender gap.”

Research by STEM Returners found that challenges to going back to work after career breaks tend to affect women more than men.

Their programme aims to address this by helping more women back into the work places, but says that, all STEM Returners programmes are open to all genders, ages and backgrounds.

STEM Returners will source the candidates, who must be eligible for security clearance, UK national or dual national, and provide additional mentoring and career advice.

MBDA employee Liz (Image: MBDA)

One person to benefit by returning to work after a five year career break has been MBDA employee Liz.

She said: “When I returned after my career break, MBDA understood my childcare needs and I was offered a reduced hours contract in acknowledgment of my personal circumstances.

"I joined a team of helpful and enthusiastic individuals who, very quickly, made me feel accepted, included and technically respected.

"Since then, my career has gone from strength to strength and I’m grateful to MBDA for recognising and celebrating the skills I bring to the workplace."

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This comes alongside MBDA’s drive to increase the number of women it employs.

The company hopes that by 2030 around 30 per cent of its staff will be women.

MBDA director of mechanical engineers Matt Beaumont said: “We are pleased to be working with STEM Returners and to be part of driving change to improve the return to work for the highly skilled people our industry needs.

“People who take a break from their STEM career will have invested time and effort in gaining their skills and experience.

“As a company with engineering at its heart, it's our responsibility to provide a professional, inclusive and supportive workplace where they can continue their careers and be valued."