Empowering women to return to STEM

Egremont-based technical and engineering recruitment specialists NRL, are keen to challenge diversity within the nuclear and energy sectors, in particular when it comes to women returning to work.

Breaking down barriers

Career breaks can sometimes lead to confidence gaps or outdated skills, but NRL believes these challenges can be overcome when employers ensure the right support is in place.

From practical help such as flexible working to hybrid options, businesses need to have a programme of assistance to retain female workers returning into the workplace. This includes opportunities to pair with mentors to help them progress, or catch-up on developments that have taken place during their absence. Organisations also need to be more open and approachable to how they support working parents and invest in their career development, understanding that one approach will not work for everyone.

“Women bring invaluable perspectives to STEM, and it’s vital we remove obstacles that prevent them from returning,” says Rebecca Graves, Director at NRL. “We want to ensure every woman feels empowered to take that next step back into the workplace with confidence and the support needed to help them thrive.”

The power of diversity

Diverse teams are proven to deliver stronger problem-solving and creativity, which is essential in sectors like nuclear, energy, and engineering. When women return to technical roles, businesses gain fresh perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and drive progress.

Beyond innovation, gender diversity improves collaboration and decision-making. Studies show that inclusive workplaces can experience higher employee engagement and retention, reducing recruitment costs and strengthening long-term growth. For industries facing skills shortages, tapping into this talent pool is a strategic advantage.

If you’re looking for support to balance diversity in your workforce, reach out to Rebecca at rgraves@nrl.co.uk

You can read the full March issue of in-Cumbria business magazine online.