As employers realise the cost effectiveness of retraining and updating the skills of staff after career breaks efforts are being made to make it easier for women to return to work after a break. Exists to help women identify funding sources and programmes regionally which have been specifically targeted at their needs. Many courses targeted at returners are free of charge or low cost and may be eligible for awards or bursaries.
Most courses are either short or part time allowing maximum flexibility.
You should also be aware of the increasing number of distance learning courses that are becoming available which are being delivered over the Internet. There are a variety of national awards that are available specifically for women studying science and engineering. Additionally there are many locally delivered and locally sponsored courses. The Engineering Council publishes a Directory of Initiatives annually.