New options in defence industry for STEM Returners

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Image Credit: www.baesystems.com
Media Release

BAE Systems is the first Australian company to join with STEM Returners to provide new opportunities for skilled professionals in its national defence and security business.

STEM Returners is a program that targets people with STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) skills who have had extended career breaks or who are keen to move from another sector into the Defence industry and matches them to new career opportunities.

The available positions will be in Melbourne and Adelaide working on some of the most critically important programs that BAE Systems is delivering for the Australian Defence Force.

The recruitment and interview phase will occur mid-year ahead of 12-week internships starting later this year with formal job offers being made at the end of the year.

Engineers Australia will provide mentoring and professional membership for the interns during their 12-week placement.

A similar scheme involving BAE Systems’ UK business has resulted in:

  • 96 percent of STEM Returner interns being offered a full time position with BAE Systems
  • 45 percent of female recruits, compared with an engineering average of 8-10 percent, and
  • 28 percent of STEM Returner interns from minority ethnic backgrounds compared with average six percent.

BAE Systems Australia Chief People Officer Danielle Mesa said:

“Engineers are key to providing the Australian Defence Force with the capabilities it requires.

“It’s really important that we provide opportunities to attract a diverse range of engineers who will contribute to the continued development of technologies that underpin the nation’s defence and security.”