Making a career change over 40 can feel like a big leap, but more and more adults are taking that step. Whether it’s refreshing skills, exploring a new field, or simply re-entering the workforce after a break, internships for adults over 40 are growing in popularity.
These opportunities, often called “returnships” or “career re-entry internships,” offer a supportive way to transition into a fresh role, welcoming professionals with life experience and expertise.
In this guide, we’ll look at the benefits of these adult internships, the types of programmes available, and some practical advice on finding the right fit for you.
What Are Internships for Adults Over 40?
Internships for adults differ from traditional internships because they’re designed with experienced professionals in mind. Aiming to make the career transition smoother, they often focus on short-term projects and provide mentorship, helping you build confidence in a new role.
Known as “returnships,” these programmes value the skills you already have, while offering a chance to update knowledge in key areas, from tech skills to industry-specific practices.
Our Adult Internships page at Refreshing a Career covers more on this topic, but this blog takes a closer look at the benefits and options specifically tailored to adults rejoining or changing careers.
Why Take on an Internship Later in Life?
Adult internships can be a real stepping stone to a fresh career path. For starters, they’re a great way to refresh or expand your skills in a practical environment. As industries evolve, programmes designed for career re-entry often include training in new technologies and industry practices, making sure you’re up-to-date.
Beyond the technical skills, these internships are also a great way to work on building your network. Connecting with mentors and industry professionals can prove invaluable as you navigate the ins and outs of a new sector.
Many companies also value the maturity and experience that adults bring, seeing them as assets who have plenty to bring to the table. Quite often, these internships or returnships can lead to long-term positions, as they allow both you and the employer to test the fit before making any permanent decisions.
➡️ Bonus reading: Recruiting a Career Changer: A Complete Guide
What Kinds of Returnships and Internships for Adults Over 40 Are There?
Returnship opportunities are available across various sectors, each offering unique support structures to help professionals re-enter the workforce.
Here’s a look at some key sectors and the companies leading the way in providing accessible career re-entry programmes for adults over 40.
Finance: The Bank of England and Deloitte
The finance sector recognises the value of experience and often designs returnships to attract skilled professionals looking to rejoin the workforce.
The Bank of England Career Returner Programme 2025
The Bank of England offers a structured Career Returners Programme for professionals resuming work after a break of two or more years. This initiative provides mentoring, skill refreshment, and role-specific training to support a smooth re-entry into the financial sector. Tailored to each participant’s previous experience and aspirations, the programme typically spans six months, with the possibility of a permanent position afterwards. This returnship is particularly appealing for those with a finance background interested in getting back into the world of banking.
Visit the official Bank of England website for more.
Deloitte Return to Work
This programme supports professionals returning after two or more years away, offering a flexible approach to resuming or starting a new career. Participants receive tailored training, coaching, and networking opportunities to help them readjust, refresh their skills, and regain professional confidence. With flexible working options available, the programme ensures each participant’s past experiences enrich their contributions. Most roles are permanent unless tied to a specific project or timeframe.
Visit the official Deloitte website for more.
Technology: Amazon and Microsoft
The tech industry also values diverse perspectives and offers structured returnship programmes to bridge the skills gap for career returners.
Amazon Returnship Programme
Amazon’s Returnship Programme provides an opportunity for people returning to the workforce after an extended break (18+ months). This programme allows participants to refresh their skills while receiving training and mentorship tailored to their professional background. Participants are involved in projects within Amazon Transportation Services (ATS) and Amazon Logistics (AMZL), aimed at helping them transition back into a full-time role. The programme typically lasts around 6 months, with various flexible working arrangements available.
For more details, visit the Amazon Returnship Programme page.
Microsoft LEAP Engineering Apprenticeship
While not exclusively for older adults, Microsoft’s LEAP programme is a 16-week intensive returnship for professionals with a background in software engineering or computer science. It involves a mix of classroom training and real-world projects, providing both mentorship and potential full-time roles for those completing the programme.
Visit Microsoft LEAP for more.
Healthcare: NHS Return to Practice Programmes
Healthcare is another sector with a high demand for skilled workers, and many returnships in this field cater to professionals seeking to update their clinical skills or certifications.
NHS Return to Practice Programme
For those returning to roles as nurses, midwives, or allied health professionals, the NHS offers paid return-to-practice programmes. These include refresher courses, placements, and supervised practice to help participants regain confidence and meet regulatory requirements. The NHS also provides financial support for re-certification to make the return journey smoother.
Go to NHS Return to Practice for further details.
Education: Now Teach
The education sector has programmes aimed at professionals who want to bring industry experience into the classroom, enriching students’ learning with real-world insights.
Now Teach
Now Teach is a unique UK programme that focuses on helping experienced professionals transition into teaching roles, particularly in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Participants receive teacher training, support, and mentorship as they work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), providing a structured path into education.
Visit the official Now Teach site for more.
Each of these returnships varies in duration, typically lasting anywhere from a few weeks to six months, and many are part-time to accommodate personal commitments. These programmes provide structured support, mentorship, and real-world experience, making them excellent options for those ready to make a career shift after 40.
Embrace the Change: Don’t Let Age Hold You Back
Shifting gears in your career might feel intimidating, but programmes like returnships and internships for adults over 40 are built to make it accessible and rewarding. These opportunities value the skills, insights, and maturity that experienced adults bring to the table.
So if you’re ready for a new start, remember that plenty of resources are out there to support your transition.
At Refreshing a Career, we’re here to help you on this journey. Our Adult Internships page has more information, and our dedicated jobs board offers positions specifically designed for mature professionals.
Check out our blog for the latest industry insights and career change news.
Have a question? Feel free to contact our team.
