iRelaunch
A long-running organisation focused on returning to work after a career break, with a list of employers that run returnship programmes, a job board and events. Useful if your route into tech includes a break for caring, health or study, especially at larger multinational employers.
Platform
Career Growth
iRelaunch
Ongoing
All
Free
What it is
iRelaunch has worked on return-to-work programmes since 2007. Its site lists what it calls Champion Employers: companies that run returnships or other re-entry programmes for people coming back after a career break. As of 2026-09 the list includes large employers such as IBM, Morgan Stanley and Dell. It also runs a job board, events and a weekly newsletter of opportunities, alongside paid coaching and resume services.
What a returnship is
A returnship is a paid, time-limited programme, usually lasting a few months, for experienced people returning after a break of typically a year or more. Returners get training, a real project and support, and many programmes aim to convert participants into permanent roles. Some large technology companies and banks run technical returnships in software engineering, data or IT.
Who it helps in a career switch
Returnships are designed for people with previous professional experience, not for complete beginners. They suit you if:
- you had a career, took a break for caring, health, relocation or study, and used some of the break to learn technical skills,
- or you worked in a technical-adjacent role and want to return in a more technical one.
If you have never worked professionally, look instead at internships, apprenticeships and graduate programmes.
How to use it
- Browse the Champion Employers list and note which programmes include software, data or IT tracks.
- Check each company's own careers page for dates, eligibility and locations; many programmes open once or twice a year.
- Prepare a short, honest explanation of your break and what you did to keep learning.
- Use the free events and newsletter before considering any paid service.
Limits
The list leans towards large employers in the United States and some other countries. Returnship programmes exist in many regions, but availability varies, so also search for "returnship" plus your city or country, and check local employers' careers pages.
Free vs paid
The employer list, many events and the newsletter are free. Coaching and resume services are paid; you do not need them to apply to a programme.
Common questions
Does a returnship always lead to a job? No; many aim to hire returners at the end, but it depends on performance and business needs.
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