Student and graduate training opportunities are common, but now forward-thinking companies are offering a new wave of programmes to support women returning to the workplace after a career break.

AECOM's Career Returner Program taps into a new group of potential employees - a group who brings diversity of perspective, a fresh pair of eyes and, in many cases, a wealth of experience.

If you're looking to return to work from a career break of two years or more, check out AECOM's pioneering programme.

What can you expect?

Returners can enjoy a number of paid placements in the following areas:

• Transport
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (Building Engineering)
• Project Management
• Quantity Surveying
• Contracts Support
• Environmental Ecology
• Environmental Impact Assessment 

The placements are six months long and where possible returners are offered a permanent role at AECOM after completely the program.

Working on high-profile construction projects

AECOM understands that, because of unconscious bias, it's often hard for those with a CV gap to get back into their industry.

As part of its diversity agenda, AECOM strives to look past that in the understanding that program participants bring a fresh perspective and life experience beyond the workplace.

AECOM's programme is a supportive environment that support includes a personal mentor, professional coaching from Women Returners and also line managers who are fully engaged in the programme.

AECOM returners will have the opportunity to work on some of AECOM’s leading and high profile projects in a number of its business sectors, including education, rail and sports stadiums, and the HS2 through to The Spire, the largest residential tower in Europe.

Returners will bring their prior experience but also a fresh perspective to AECOM teams and roles which is so valuable to the company.

A successful return to work for Claire

Claire Lovell is a Landscape Architect at AECOM who successfully transitioned back into work thanks to AECOM's programme after an eight year career break to start a family. 

“I found AECOM to be accommodating with my working hours. The support and advice the Returners programme provided was invaluable and helped me think about my strengths and achieving a work-life balance," says Claire.

"My colleagues and line manager are really supportive and approachable which helped me quickly come up to speed in the office environment, as there have obviously been quite a few changes since my time out.”

Become one of AECOM's Returners

With exciting international projects and fantastic opportunities for career development, AECOM is a place where your skills and expertise are truly valued. Its highly collaborative and multidisciplinary workplaces are designed to ignite ideas across all its disciplines now and in the future. With the new dawn of a focused, driven and highly skilled workforce re-entering the business via AECOM's returner programme - the only way is up for this exciting and innovative company.

AECOM is committed to supporting career returners, so research where your skills might fit

Find out more