Tell us about you.
I’m Hollie and I’m based in Cumbria. I have over seven years’ experience working in the nuclear industry, with a background that is practical and delivery-focused. I’m motivated by contributing to projects that have a positive impact, and I take pride in delivering work to a high standard and seeing things through to completion. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dog and getting outdoors when I can.
What was your working background before your career break?
Before my career break, I worked in project and operational roles within the nuclear industry. I began my career at 18 and spent seven years developing within the same organisation, progressing into roles with increasing responsibility. In my previous role as Nuclear Site Manager, I was responsible for coordinating and driving delivery within a nuclear department, managing stakeholders and ensuring work was carried out safely and efficiently. I played a key role in keeping projects on track, resolving challenges, and maintaining momentum across multiple activities, building a strong foundation in project delivery and operational leadership.
Tell us about your career break. Why did you take a break? How long was it for?
I took a short career break following redundancy after seven years with the same organisation. My break lasted approximately two and a half months. It was a difficult experience, and I was genuinely disappointed to leave a role and industry I had invested so much in. However, the time away gave me the opportunity to reflect on my experience and what I wanted from my next role. I remained focused on returning to a technical environment and was motivated to find an opportunity where I could continue to build on my skills and contribute meaningfully.
What made you want to return to the industry?
I wanted to return because I value being part of a structured, delivery-focused environment where I can contribute to projects that have a real impact. I knew I had built a strong foundation of experience over seven years, particularly in coordinating delivery, managing stakeholders, and keeping work progressing. Returning to the industry was about continuing that trajectory, taking on responsibility again, and applying my skills in a role where I could add real value.
What challenges have you faced when applying for roles? How did those challenges make you feel?
The main challenge was around the perception of redundancy. Although I didn’t have a significant gap, I found that explaining I had lost my job sometimes felt like it carried a negative assumption, despite not reflecting my experience or capability. At times, this affected my confidence and made me question whether employers would fully recognise the value I could bring, even though I had already built a strong foundation of experience.
Why did you approach STEM Returners?
I approached STEM Returners because it felt like a positive and practical way to move forward following redundancy. It offered an opportunity to demonstrate my experience in a supportive environment, without the focus being on how my previous role had ended. It also helped to know that I wasn’t alone and that there were others in a similar position.
How did STEM Returners help?
STEM Returners helped by opening a route back into a technical workplace and by providing support at a point when returning felt quite daunting. The programme helped bridge the gap between previous experience and current opportunities, and gave me a chance to rebuild confidence while showing what I could contribute in a real role.
What was the end result?
The end result was that I successfully returned to work as a Project Manager at the UK Atomic Energy Authority within AI and Robotics Collaborations, through the STEM Returners programme. I have since passed my probation and am now supporting the delivery of projects across robotics, nuclear decommissioning, skills development, and collaborative programmes, working with a wide range of stakeholders and contributing to initiatives with clear purpose and real-world impact.
How has this changed your career?
It has changed my career by enabling me to return to the industry without having to start again, and to continue building on the experience I had already gained. It helped me regain momentum and move forward in my career with confidence. Since returning, I have developed my project management experience further, worked with senior stakeholders, supported governance and delivery, and contributed to programmes with real impact.
What would you say about the programme overall?
Overall, I would say the programme is a really valuable and practical route back into industry. It helps remove some of the barriers people can face when returning, particularly around perception, and provides an opportunity to be recognised for your skills and experience. For me, it made the process of returning feel more achievable and gave me the confidence to take that next step.
Do you have any advice for returners like yourself?
My advice would be not to underestimate your experience or capability. A period out of work can impact your confidence, but it doesn’t undo the experience you’ve built. Be honest about your situation, focus on the value you can bring, and be willing to put yourself forward even if you don’t feel 100% ready. Confidence often builds over time through taking those steps and putting yourself back out there
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to return to or transition into a fulfilling STEM career, we’re here to help you succeed. Explore our current opportunities and find the opportunity that’s right for you.
