Thinking about returning to work after a career break? You’re not alone, and the good news is, there’s never been a better time to rebuild your confidence, update your skills, and relaunch your career on your own terms. Whether you're returning after maternity leave, a career break to care for family, or time out for health reasons, there’s a growing number of free online courses and return to work programmes designed specifically for women like you. And in 2025, the range of remote, flexible, and supportive options available in the UK is bigger than ever.
Jump to:
- Why free return to work courses matter
- Top free online courses and return to work programmes in 2025
- ivee’s free return to work bootcamp
- Amazon’s UK returnship programme
- STEM Returners
- Digital Boost – free upskilling for career returners
- Career Returners supported programmes
- What skills should you learn before returning to work?
- How to rebuild confidence after a career break
- FAQs: The best free online courses for women returning to work in 2025
- Your next step: Join the ivee bootcamp
- Further reading and resources
Why free return to work courses matter
Taking time out of the workforce is incredibly common, but getting back in can feel daunting, especially when it comes to confidence, skills gaps, or new workplace technologies. That’s why targeted free upskilling and training programmes for women returning to work are so important. The best of these go beyond learning. They offer real-world support, mentoring, and community.
And if you’re wondering “How do I get back to work after a career break?” or “Where do I even start?” – this list is for you.
Top free online courses and return to work programmes in 2025
1. ivee’s free return to work bootcamp
A completely free, virtual bootcamp designed for women and those returning to work after a career break. You’ll get:
This isn’t just a course—it’s a career restart with a community that gets it.
🧠 Best for: Confidence-building, job search strategy, career relaunch
📍 Where: UK-based but fully remote
💸 Cost: Free
2. Amazon UK returnship programme
A structured 16-week paid returnship for people who’ve been out of the workforce for 12+ months. You’ll receive training, mentorship, and the potential for a permanent role at one of the world’s biggest employers.
🧠 Best for: Tech, logistics, corporate roles
📍 Where: Various UK locations + some hybrid roles
💸 Cost: Paid returnship
3. STEM Returners
This UK-based programme helps engineers and technical professionals return to work after a break. Programmes include paid placements and mentoring across a range of companies.
🧠 Best for: Women in STEM, engineering, and project management
📍 Where: UK-wide
💸 Cost: Free to access
4. Digital Boost - free upskilling for career returners
An amazing platform offering free one-to-one mentoring and courses in digital marketing, tech, business operations, and more. Supported by industry professionals and ideal for remote workers.
🧠 Best for: Upskilling, digital skills, small business support
📍 Where: Online
💸 Cost: Free
The only free bootcamp designed to get returners hired
Join for insider strategies, tailored guidance, and practical tools to help you land your next job.
Secure your spot5. Career Returner supported programmes
Women Returners partners with employers to offer returnships, mentoring, and coaching specifically designed for experienced professionals restarting their careers.
🧠 Best for: Mid-to-senior level professionals
📍 Where: UK + some remote roles
💸 Cost: Free access to resources, some paid returnships
What skills should you learn before returning to work?
When preparing to return to work, especially after a multi-year break, it’s worth focusing on high-demand and transferable skills like:
Check out free resources like:
How to rebuild confidence after a career break
Feeling nervous about returning to work is completely normal. But confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you can rebuild.
Here are a few ways to get started.
- Join returner communities for peer support
- Practice interviewing with a coach or mentor
- Reflect on all the skills you’ve gained outside of traditional work (e.g., multitasking, negotiation, time management)
- Start small: volunteering, freelancing, or part-time work can be a great first step
FAQs: The best free online courses for women returning to work in 2025
Your next step: Join the ivee bootcamp
If you’re ready to return to the workforce – or just want to explore what’s out there –ivee’s free Return to Work Bootcamp is your perfect starting point.
Join hundreds of women across the UK who are getting the support, training and confidence they need to restart their careers, without compromising on flexibility or purpose.
References & further reading
Explore more free tools, guides and expert advice to support your return to work journey:
- How to rebuild confidence after a career break
- Free return to work bootcamp
- Free online courses via OpenLearn
- Free mentoring and upskilling
- CV examples and samples
These resources cover everything from free online upskilling to rebuilding your career confidence – perfect if you’re restarting your career after maternity leave, health-related leave or time out for caregiving.
The only free bootcamp designed to get returners hired
Join for insider strategies, tailored guidance, and practical tools to help you land your next job.
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