MDS Launches Reignite to Help Women Return to Work with Confidence
Applications now open for women to join a new return-to-work programme, including workplace shadowing at Frontier Agriculture.
Thousands of talented women step away from their careers each year due to caring responsibilities, health challenges, relocation or other life circumstances. Yet many face barriers when they are ready to return to work, from reduced confidence to concerns about changing workplace expectations.
To help address this challenge, MDS has launched Reignite, a new return-to-work programme designed to support women as they rebuild confidence, refresh their skills and prepare for their next career opportunity.
The pilot programme, which will run in the East of England, is seeking six women to join its first cohort. Starting on 7 September, participants will take part in an eight-week programme combining professional development, mentoring, practical learning and workplace experience.
The programme will help participants strengthen their communication and presentation skills, develop resilience and leadership capability, build their personal brand and learn strategies for navigating workplace challenges. Participants will also benefit from six months’ access to LinkedIn Learning.
A key feature of Reignite is the opportunity to undertake workplace shadowing placements at the initiatives headline sponsor Frontier Agriculture, providing valuable insight into a professional working environment and potential career pathways within the food, agriculture and fresh produce sectors.
Kirsty Barden, Head of Careers & Development at MDS, said:
“There is a huge pool of talented, experienced women whose careers have been paused rather than ended. Too often, confidence – not capability – is the biggest barrier to returning to work. Reignite is about helping women recognise the value of their experience and giving them the support, skills and workplace exposure needed to take their next step with confidence.
We are excited to launch this pilot programme and work with Frontier to create meaningful opportunities for women looking to reignite their careers.”
Frontier HR director, Stuart Benham, adds: “We’re really proud to be supporting the Reignite programme from MDS. It directly aligns with our own commitments to foster a more inclusive and diverse industry, investing in people and opening up more opportunities for skilled women to thrive and build rewarding careers.”
Applications are now open and will close on 7 August. MDS is encouraging women across East of England who are considering a return to work to apply.
For more information and application details, visit the Reignite page.