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Short Course

Return to STEM

Develop practical knowledge and confidence for returning to STEM careers, while exploring pathways back into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through flexible learning activities.

Online / Self-paced Start Date - Anytime

 

 

24 hours Duration
Level 3 Advanced
English Language
Open University Provider

 

 

 

Programme overview

Welcome to the free badged course, Returning to STEM. This course is here to help you get back to work in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. The course is intended for anyone who wants to get back into STEM work after having a break, whether to care for family, because of redundancy or for other reasons.

Throughout the course, you will explore ways to rebuild confidence, recognise transferable skills, and identify opportunities within STEM-related careers. The course also provides guidance on returning to professional environments, developing career plans, and understanding the current STEM landscape. By the end of the course, you will have a clearer understanding of the next steps available to support your return to STEM education or employment.

Curriculum

This week, you will explore inspiring employment opportunities and emerging trends in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), while learning how professionals have successfully returned to STEM careers after taking a career break. You will also take part in activities designed to help you reflect on your skills and plan your next career steps.

This week, you will explore the importance of presenting yourself effectively to potential employers, customers, or clients, and how professional communication and self-presentation can support your return to work or self-employment opportunities.

This week, you will explore the challenges of returning to work in STEM sectors, including adapting to scientific and technological changes, recognising transferable skills, and considering new career opportunities that may differ from previous employment paths.

 This week, you will be exploring the changes in the way people work, and, in particular, reviewing new flexible and agile working practices that are becoming increasingly possible and widespread.

This week, you will explore the challenges and opportunities involved in returning to work or changing career direction, while reflecting on your personal priorities and achieving a healthy balance between work and other aspects of life.

This week, you’ll be finding out how to get support to help you to meet the particular challenges of returning to the workplace. Meeting these challenges is much easier if you get advice, encouragement and help from people around you. You will start by looking at strategies to boost your confidence, and then go on to look at mentoring and how others can support you in your career progression.

This week, you will be practising and developing skills in locating, and applying, for work, and hopefully also finding some valuable information sources that you can use in the future. Who knows, while practising these techniques you may just find the job you are looking for! Searching for employment is really like a job in itself, a project that needs management. 

This week you will develop a powerful action plan that will help you move forward with your return to work. You will start by identifying your long-term goals and ambitions, and then outline the steps required to get there.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • identify key experiences and attributes, and know how to use online tools effectively to be visible
  • identify long-term goals and create an action plan and CV to achieve these
  • know about future trends in STEM employment and where to find STEM jobs online
  • identify mentors and networks that can help with returning to work
  • understand work–life balance solutions and know more about different types of flexible and agile working.

Key features

Flexible Online Learning

Study at your own pace with online course materials that can be accessed anytime, making learning easy to fit around work and personal commitments.

Interactive Learning Activities

Access quizzes, activities, and course exercises designed to support understanding and help reinforce key concepts throughout the course.

Free online course

No Additional Costs

There are no mandatory additional costs to complete the course, although access to Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software is recommended.

Free Statement of Participation

Learners who successfully complete the course can receive a free digital Statement of Participation as recognition of their learning

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