ATA Recruitment

​Engineering a Comeback: Returning to Work

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At ATA Recruitment, people are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission to bridge the skills gap goes beyond simply matching CVs to vacancies, it’s about helping skilled professionals reconnect with their careers and giving employers access to the expertise they need to thrive.

Recently, we were proud to support Matt Berry, an experienced Building Services and Fabrication Engineer as he returned to work after a long period away due to illness. His journey shows how the right recruitment partnership can help individuals rebuild their confidence and re-enter an evolving industry.

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From Setback to Comeback

After more than 25 years working in healthcare and leisure engineering, life took an unexpected turn when Matt was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. Following treatment and a stem cell transplant, he thankfully made a full recovery and was ready to get back to work, but returning after six years away wasn’t easy.

“Being out of work for six years was daunting. I worried about whether my skills and knowledge would still be relevant and whether I would be able to settle back into a professional routine again. Confidence was a big challenge – not just proving myself to an employer but also proving to myself that I could do it again.”

His experience is one shared by many talented professionals who, after a career break, wonder if there’s still a place for them in an industry moving at speed.

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Personalised Support That Makes the Difference

That’s where our consultant, Jon Paryazani, stepped in. By taking time to understand not just Matt's skills but also his career goals and personal circumstances, Jon was able to provide a recruitment experience built on trust and reassurance.

“Jon and the team at ATA were fantastic. They took the time to understand my situation and what I was looking for and reassured me that my background and skills were still very valuable. They kept me updated throughout the process, which made it far less stressful and they gave me the confidence to approach interviews knowing I had strong support behind me.”

Practical support, such as interview preparation and regular communication, played a key role in helping him feel ready.

“After such a long time away, it really settled my nerves to go into the process with clear guidance and practice. Having regular check-ins meant I never felt on my own.”

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Finding the Right Role at the Right Business

With ATA’s support, Matt secured a position at Oscar Mayer, a leading manufacturer known for its supportive and welcoming culture, an ideal environment for his return to work.

“Oscar Mayer stood out as a welcoming, professional company that offered not just a good role but also the right culture. The opportunity to join a busy, 24/7 manufacturing company on a days-only basis, with a supportive and welcoming team really appealed to me.”

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A Message for Others Ready to Return

For anyone considering a return to work or a career change, Matt's advice is simple:

“I’d absolutely recommend ATA Recruitment. They listened, supported and guided me every step of the way. For anyone nervous about making a change or returning to work after time away, ATA can give you the confidence and direction to find the right role.”

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Our Commitment to People and Progress

Stories like this embody our mission at ATA Recruitment, bridging the skills gap by unlocking the potential of experienced professionals and connecting them with businesses that value their expertise. Whether you’re an Engineer ready to return or an employer seeking hard-to-find talent, we’re here to provide solutions that drive careers and strengthen the UK engineering and manufacturing workforce.

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Looking for your next opportunity after a career break?

Take a look at our live vacancies or upload your CV and we’ll connect you with one of our expert consultants, who’ll guide you towards the right next role and help you feel confident about your future.

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