Cummins has formed a new partnership to help more experienced people return to work.

The company, which has a huge site in Darlington, has teamed up with STEM Returners to support its RePower programme, which offers a six-month paid and benefitted opportunity to get back into the world of work.

STEM Returners will use its established networks to bring returners to the RePower programme which was launched last year and allows candidates to be reintegrated into an inclusive environment using skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

The roles will be based at Cummins sites in Darlington, Huddersfield and Daventry and available to people who have had a career break for two years or more.

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STEM Returners will provide returners with additional support including advice, career coaching, and mentoring; ensuring applicants are ready and confident to return to work.

The STEM Returners Index shows the challenges people who have had career break face, when trying to return – recruitment bias being the main barrier to entry. Sixty-six percent of STEM professionals on a career break say they are finding the process of attempting to return to work either difficult or very difficult and that nearly half said they felt bias because of a lack of recent experience.

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners said: “Over the years, we have seen how hard it can be for people who have had a career break to return, so it is positive to see leading organisations like Cummins launch their own programmes to support this talented pool of people back into the industry.

“We are very proud to be entering this new partnership to support the RePower programme. Only by working together, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”

Cummins is internationally known for specialising in diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators, and last year the factory in Darlington celebrated a historic landmark: its 1.5 millionth mid-range engine.

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“Expanding our partnership to encourage more people to get involved in the RePower programme is music to my ears," said Aisha Myrick, Cummins RePower Programme Manager.

"We’re excited to connect with returners and provide them with a great experience in being back in the professional environment.”

The 2023 STEM Returners Index is an annual survey to understand STEM professionals’ experiences of trying to re-enter the sector after a career break. The STEM Returners Index is open to all STEM professions who have had a gap in their career or who are attempting to return to work or who have recently returned to work and will enable STEM Returners to further understand the barriers people face, track the progress UK STEM industries are making, and shine a light on the change needed to create fair opportunities for all.

  • The Index is available HERE