Atkins Returner Programme is back for 2022

Over your career break? It's time you returned.

We're proud to announce our Returners Programme for 2022. It's a celebration of diversity, drawing talented candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. If you've taken a career break of two years or more, it's an excellent opportunity to start your next career with us.

Here's what previous Returners have to say about their experiences in Atkins, a member of the AtkinsRéalis Group:

MARIA

Geotechnical engineer, promoted to Line Manager in 2020 and winner of the Geotechnical Network's Award for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Member of WIM3 (Women in Materials, Minerals and Mining) and IOM3 committee member.

I'd been out of the industry for 17 years due to family commitments. When I returned to the UK in 2018, I discovered the Atkins Returners' Programme on LinkedIn. I applied and was over the moon when I was offered a place.

My first three months back in the industry were pretty challenging. I had to get back up to speed technically and learn new software. However, everyone was willing to pitch in and help. I was paired up with a great buddy in Ground Engineering. Tony was invaluable in helping me settle in, navigate internal processes and meet colleagues.

"I also had to adjust to life as a working mum. The organization's flexible and remote working policies helped me balance life in and outside the office. I also joined the ParentNet staff network, which was a great source of support and information."

As part of the Returners Programme, I took part in training, including self-esteem and career conversations. I also did Atkins' Women's Development Programme, which I found very useful. At the moment, I'm studying a series of training modules on managing people. I receive a lot of on-the-job support from my colleagues and hope that they feel I support them too.

VINCENT

Chartered Structural Engineer, founding team member of an internal Group Mentoring Pilot Scheme.

I spent most of my career in South Africa in academia and consulting. In 2016, I relocated to the UK and took a career break. I maintained my interest in the field and came across an online job ad for Atkins' Returners Programme.

Since joining Atkins, I've been involved with the EWR2 rail project as part of the Design Site Support Team supporting the Delivery Team. This has included permanent works design, temporary works design and site engagement.

"Don't underestimate the value that your knowledge, skills and experience can bring to the workplace."

Continuous development is high on the agenda here. We get regular notices regarding in-house and professional institution training initiatives that we can attend. My line manager has also gone out of his way to provide me with appropriate work opportunities and experiences. In turn, my own skills and expertise are welcomed to the table.

ANDY

Assistant Engineer and Photographer

I'd taken a break from a 20-year long career in infrastructure and business services to take care of my children. I heard about the Atkins Returners' Programme via an employment website.

The level of expertise at Atkins is high. So, it was quite a significant learning curve after a long break. IT has moved on considerably, but the fundamentals that I learned in my previous position were still relevant.

"Initially, catching up on IT was difficult. However, once I'd cleared the basic hurdles, I began to grow in self-confidence and self-worth."

So far, I've been with Atkins for 18 months. I've got to grips with IUTOs, email protocol and improved my communication skills. Working with the Global Design Centre team and being trusted on a mega-project secondment has boosted my self-esteem!

Atkins is a great company to work for. I'm supported by everyone around me and enjoy our good knowledge sharing and regular team meetings. When it comes to training, I've developed my IT expertise further and had advice on pursuing an Institution of Civil Engineers membership.

JANE

Transport Planner, member of WIM3 (Women in Materials, Minerals and Mining) and IOM3 committee member

I'd been out of the industry for nine years when I heard about the Returners' Programme through a school blog. As I had previously worked in the industry, it felt like it was personally addressed to me.

I was very impressed by how warmly I was welcomed. The online onboarding gave me a detailed insight into Atkins' culture and way of working. I was given a laptop on day one and got used to hot-desking.

As I had been out of the industry for so long and had not maintained a professional network, I started by supporting bids in Transportation. It was a great way to update myself on the industry, understand our Transportation business and grow an internal network.

My line managers have been very approachable and supportive from the outset. I've accessed ample online learning material and technical and wider information webinars at team, discipline, practice, national and international levels. I also went on the Women's Development Programme, encouraging women's confidence in self-promotion and realizing opportunities.

Transport Planning and Bid Support.

"I'd been out of the industry for nine years when I heard about the Returners' Programme through a school blog. As I had previously worked in the industry with Atkins as a main competitor, it felt like it was personally addressed to me.

I was very impressed by how warmly I was welcomed. The online onboarding gave me a detailed insight into Atkins' culture and way of working. I was given a laptop on day one and enjoy hot-desking and flexible working.

As I had been out of the industry for so long and had not maintained a professional network, it was suggested that I initially support bids in Transportation. It was a great way to update myself on the industry, understand our Transportation business and grow an internal network.

My line managers have been very approachable and supportive from the outset. I've accessed ample online learning material and technical and wider information webinars at team, discipline, practice, national and international levels. I also participated in the Women's Development Programme, focussed on encouraging women's confidence in self-promotion and realizing opportunities."

"On the programme, you'll explore the huge number of opportunities in Atkins to see where you best fit in - and be considered for a permanent role. Give Women's Returners a go!”

Applications are now closed for this year.

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Insights Atkins Returner Programme is back for 2022

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Insights Atkins Returner Programme is back for 2022

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Equality, diversity and inclusion

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