EPISODE DESCRIPTION Many experienced STEM professionals aren’t overlooked because they lack skills. They’re screened out by biased hiring practices, rigid job specifications, and assumptions about what makes a “safe” hire. In this episode, Natalie Desty, founder of STEM Returners, explains how career breaks can lead talented engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals to be overlooked—and what employers can do to change that. After seeing capable candidates struggle to get back into STEM, Natalie created a different route back to work. STEM Returners has since helped more than 650 people return to STEM roles, working with organisations including BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, EDF, and SSE. Of those who return, 96% secure permanent jobs afterwards. Natalie shares why returners are often filtered out before they ever reach an interview, and how outdated recruitment systems—including AI—can reinforce bias rather than remove it. She also broadens the conversation about career breaks: they can follow caring responsibilities, redundancy, illness, mental health challenges, military transition, menopause, and many other life events. You’ll hear how STEM Returners combines coaching and mentoring with a consultancy model to give candidates a genuine opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Natalie also challenges the idea that the STEM skills gap is simply a shortage of talent. Often, she says, the talent is already there; the problem is whether employers are prepared to find it and give people a fair chance. The results go beyond getting people back into work. Natalie shares an example from a BAE Systems cohort in which 80% of returners were still in role after five years, and half of those had moved into leadership positions. Whether you’re an employer, recruiter, manager, or someone navigating a return to work, this conversation offers a practical and thought-provoking look at how hiring can become fairer—and how organisations can benefit when they stop overlooking experienced professionals. About Natalie Desty: Natalie is the founder of STEM Returners, an award-winning organisation supporting professionals returning to STEM after a career break. She advocates for more inclusive recruitment and challenges outdated hiring practices across the industry. https://stemreturners.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliedesty/ Kicking The Door Down
