Applications are open for a new eight-week programme that aims to support women returning to work after maternity or other career breaks by rebuilding confidence, skills and resilience
Industry training scheme MDS has launched a new return-to-work scheme to support women returning to workplaces following maternity leave or other career breaks.
The scheme, called Reignite, is designed to help women rebuild confidence, refresh skills and prepare for their next career opportunity.
The pilot programme is seeking six women in the east of England to join its first cohort.
Starting on 7 September, participants will take part in an eight-week programme, combining professional development, mentoring, practical learning and workplace experience.
A key feature is the opportunity to undertake shadowing placements at grain trader, and scheme sponsor, Frontier Agriculture, to explore potential career pathways within the food, agriculture and fresh produce sectors.
“There is a huge pool of talented, experienced women whose careers have been paused rather than ended,” said head of careers and development at MDS, Kirsty Barden.
“Too often, confidence – not capability – is the biggest barrier to returning to work. Reignite is about helping women recognise the value of their experience and giving them the support, skills and workplace exposure needed to take their next step with confidence.”
Many women step away from their careers each year due to caring responsibilities, health challenges, relocation or other life circumstances.
They often face barriers when they are ready to return to work, from reduced confidence to concerns about changing workplace expectations.
The Reignite programme will help participants strengthen communication and presentation skills, develop resilience and leadership capability, build their personal brand and learn strategies for navigating workplace challenges. Participants will also benefit from six months’ access to LinkedIn Learning.
Frontier HR director, Stuart Benham, said: “We’re really proud to be supporting the Reignite programme from MDS. It directly aligns with our own commitments to foster a more inclusive and diverse industry, investing in people and opening up more opportunities for skilled women to thrive and build rewarding careers.”
Applications will close on 7 August, with women across the east of England who are considering a return to work encouraged to apply.
