Building future-ready capability
The Engineering Career Comeback program is designed to support experienced professionals in software engineering, platform delivery, and engineering management as they re-enter the workforce following a career break. It offers tailored onboarding, mentoring, and meaningful work opportunities to help returners confidently reconnect with their careers and thrive in tech.
As part of CBA’s broader commitment to future-ready skills, the program integrates AI skilling and hands-on learning:
- Access to ‘AI for All’ microlearning modules for practical exploration.
- Dedicated sessions on responsible AI use and real-world applications.
- Potential opportunities to work on AI-related projects within CBA’s tech teams.
“We’re working to build a workforce that’s not only technically strong and future ready, but adaptable and inclusive,” said Brendan Hopper, Chief Information Officer, Technology. “This program reflects our belief that innovation thrives when diverse experiences meet progressive technology and purpose-driven learning. By equipping returners with refreshed skills and embedding them in real-world projects, we’re not just supporting their careers, we’re helping to shape the future of banking.”
Srujana Vanama, Platform Engineer based in Melbourne said after taking a maternity break in 2023, the program will be a launchpad for her to reconnect with the tech industry and apply her skills in AI.
“It will give me the opportunity to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful work, and balance my career with family life,” Vanama said.
“I’m especially excited to build on the momentum I gained during my career break, when I earned the Microsoft Azure AI Engineer Certification and completed a project for the Microsoft Hackathon while looking after my baby.”
Expanding on proven success
The Engineering Career Comeback Program builds on the success of CBA’s earlier career comeback initiative in Institutional Banking & Markets (IB&M):
- IB&M’s program supported returners in roles across banking, project management, data, analytics, and AI.
- Participants have made meaningful contributions to AI-driven banking solutions.
“This experience adds depth, not distance,” said Jayne Kenwright, a participant in the IB&M Career Comeback Program currently working in the data analytics and AI team. “I’ve particularly enjoyed diving into AI-related work; it’s been energising to apply my skills in a space that’s shaping the future of banking.”
