Returning to work after a career break can feel overwhelming, but returnships (structured return-to-work programmes) provide a valuable way for professionals to re-enter the workforce with confidence. Whether you’ve taken time off for family, health, or personal reasons, UK returnship programmes offer training, mentoring, and real-world experience to help bridge the gap. Below, we explore the best returner programmes in the UK, covering industry-leading initiatives and companies supporting returners.
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What are returnships?
A returnship is a short-term, paid work placement designed for experienced professionals who have been out of the workforce for a period of time. They typically last three to six months and provide structured support, including training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Many UK returnships lead to permanent job offers.
Returnship programmes are supported by a growing number of employers and endorsed by initiatives such as the UK Government’s Returners Programme.
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Who are returnships for?
Returnship programmes are open to a range of professionals, but they are particularly popular among:
Top returnship programmes in the UK
1. Goldman Sachs returnship programme
📍 Industry: Finance | 🕒 Duration: 12 weeks | 🔗 Goldman Sachs Returnship
Goldman Sachs pioneered the returnship concept in 2008, being one of the first companies to formalise the idea of returnship programmes and has helped lead the way in supporting professionals returning to work. Their 12-week programme provides hands-on experience in financial services and often leads to full-time roles.
2. Amazon returnship programme
📍 Industry: Tech & Business | 🕒 Duration: 16 weeks | 🔗 Amazon UK Returnships
Amazon’s returnship programme supports professionals looking to re-enter careers in technology, operations, and corporate roles. It includes mentorship and tailored career coaching.
3. Morgan Stanley return to work programme
📍 Industry: Investment Banking | 🕒 Duration: 12-16 weeks | 🔗 Morgan Stanley Returnship
Morgan Stanley offers a well-structured returnship programme designed for professionals looking to re-establish themselves in banking and finance.
4. Deloitte return to work programme
📍 Industry: Consulting | 🕒 Duration: 25 weeks | 🔗 Deloitte Returnship
Deloitte provides a 25-week returnship, allowing returners to work on client projects while receiving training and career coaching.
5. Accenture return to work programme
📍 Industry: Consulting & Tech | 🕒 Duration: 16 weeks | 🔗 Accenture Returnship
Accenture’s returnship is focused on consulting and digital transformation roles, with flexibility to transition into full-time positions.
6. AWS returnship programme
📍 Industry: Cloud Computing | 🕒 Duration: 16 weeks | 🔗 AWS Returnship
Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a technology-focused returnship, ideal for engineers, cloud specialists, and IT professionals looking to upskill and return to work.
The only free bootcamp designed to get returners hired
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Find your comeback careerReturnship programmes by industry
Tech & engineering returnships
Google returnship programme – Google Careers
Cisco returnship programme – Cisco Careers
SAP returnship programme – SAP Careers
Finance & banking returnships
Bank of America returnship – BofA Careers
BlackRock returnship – BlackRock Careers
Credit Suisse returnship – Credit Suisse Careers
Consulting & business returnships
PwC returnship programme – PwC Careers
KPMG returnship – KPMG Careers
How to apply for a returnship in the UK
1️⃣ Update your CV & LinkedIn – Highlight past achievements and transferable skills.
2️⃣ Prepare for interviews – Expect competency-based questions.
3️⃣ Join networking groups – Platforms like ivee can help.
4️⃣ Consider remote returnships – Some companies, like Amazon, offer remote returnships.
FAQs: Returnship programmes in the UK
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Final thoughts: What are the best returner programmes in the UK?
Whether you’re looking for returnships for moms, a technology returnship programme, or a finance returnship, the UK offers excellent opportunities. By joining a returnship programme, you gain confidence, experience, and a pathway back into work.
Ready to restart your career? Explore UK returnships and take the next step today!
About the author: This article was written by Amelia Miller, co-founder of ivee, the return-to-work platform and a published psychologist and fellow at Cambridge University. She has worked with leading UK employers to design inclusive recruitment paths for professionals returning to work after career breaks.
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