Marvin OnumonuGCHQ has launched an employment initiative with STEM Returners to help people on a career break get back into work.
The first programme will offer 10 senior software engineer roles.
STEM Returners will find candidates and provide support with coaching during the application process.
Research from STEM Returners found that going back to work after a career break is now harder than before.
In the 2025 Index, 75% of people said the process was difficult or very difficult, up from 65% in 2022.
Barriers included lack of recent experience, gender and age, which led some to lose confidence and think about leaving STEM jobs altogether.
Marsha Quallo-Wright, director technology futures at GCHQ, said: “GCHQ is committed to building a workforce that represents the country it serves.
“This means bringing together a richer mix of minds, backgrounds and cultures, to fulfil our purpose: keeping the UK safe, resilient and prosperous in an uncertain and volatile world.
“We welcome the STEM Returners programme as a really practical way of supporting people with STEM skills through their first step back into employment after a career break.”
Natalie Desty, director of STEM Returners, said: “A career break should not mean your career stops.
“We are therefore very proud to be working with GCHQ on their inaugural returners programme, to provide more opportunities for highly skilled people to return to STEM.”
