Sara Sutton – CEO and Founder of FlexJobs | Flexjobs
Making a return to the workforce after a break can be challenging. However, many companies are offering return-to-work programs, known as returnships, designed to ease this transition. These programs typically provide mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
Most returnship programs last between 12-16 weeks and are paid positions. They can be full-time or part-time and may offer in-office or remote work options depending on the company.
Asana offers the AsanaUP Returnship program for parents and caregivers reentering the workforce. Participants receive mentorship and training, with potential for full-time employment upon completion. Eligibility requires being out of work for at least two years with relevant experience.
Audible's Next Chapter is a 16-week paid internship for those who have taken a career break to care for dependents. The program aims to develop skills and expand networks, with successful participants considered for full-time roles. Applicants need five years of professional experience and must have been away from paid work for at least a year.
Boeing's Return Flight program is a 12-week initiative providing support through coaches and mentors. Successful participants may secure full-time employment. Eligibility includes fluency in English, mid-level professional experience, relevant business area experience, and a career break of at least 12 months.
Chevron’s Welcome Back Returnship offers experienced professionals formal training and mentoring over 12-16 weeks. Completion may lead to full-time employment with benefits.
Cummins’ RePower program targets experienced professionals seeking to reengage their skills after an extended break. It is sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers and iRelaunch.
Dell Technologies’ Career ReStart provides a 16-week paid program featuring development opportunities or direct-hire positions with benefits.
General Motors' Take 2 initiative is a 12-week paid program focusing on vehicle engineering, manufacturing operations, finance, and IT sectors.
Goldman Sachs has run its Returnship program for 16 years, offering on-the-job learning with mentorship over 12 weeks.
HubSpot’s Returners Program spans 20 weeks offering training and support to returning workers aiming for career growth.
IBM’s Tech Re-Entry provides tech professionals with project-based skill updates matching their expertise over one year or more away from work.
JPMorgan Chase’s ReEntry Program supports global locations offering resources over a 15-week period from April to July.
Lockheed Martin's Chapter Next offers comprehensive training over 12-16 weeks for those ready to resume their careers after a year-long break.
Microsoft Leap targets technical foundation holders looking to enter or reenter tech careers through immersive apprenticeships lasting 16 weeks.
Morgan Stanley's Return to Work initiative runs a 12-week internship guiding people back into their careers post-breaks of two years or more.
Act Two by Morgan Stanley caters to individuals with five years of experience returning after at least two years out of corporate roles in specific industries like technology or data science.
Returnships are structured short-term programs that help professionals transition back into work life by refreshing skills through hands-on projects supported by mentors. Programs vary in duration but generally require applicants to meet criteria such as having been out of the workforce for specified periods or possessing relevant professional experience aligned with job roles they apply for.
These initiatives provide valuable stepping stones by allowing participants to gain industry experience while reassessing career paths aligned with personal goals within supportive environments facilitated by mentorships ensuring smooth transitions back into working life.