Engineering services and nuclear company AtkinsRéalis is launching an ‘industry-first’ recruitment campaign as part of the 2025 Digital Skills Festival in Manchester.
The firm is searching for the top tech talent in the North West to take part in a weekend-long hackathon, with five permanent roles on offer to the winning team.
Technology like robotics, augmented reality, gaming engines and drones are playing an increasingly essential role in delivering clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. AtkinsRéalis’ digital teams are rapidly expanding to develop and deliver new solutions that incorporate advanced technology, and the ‘#HackaFuture’ hackathon is a chance to replace the traditional recruitment process with an event designed to showcase creativity and attitudes over qualifications and experience.
The event offers a chance to challenge preconceptions that only those with engineering degrees can succeed in the industry. From gamers and software developers to data scientists, the #HackaFuture hackathon is aiming to find new, forward-thinking talent with creative mindsets and the ability to approach problems differently. Participants will use cutting-edge technology to create a prototype solution to real-world problems, and there are no specific qualifications or experience required to enter.
Sam Stephens, head of digital for AtkinsRéalis’ nuclear business, said: “Our digital teams work in dynamic and fast-paced environments, and we’re looking for a whole mix of skill sets and backgrounds to develop our technology solutions. We have over 500 patented solutions developed for the UK and clients across our global business, and the winning teams will be at the heart of driving innovation to power a clean energy future.”
#HackaFuture will take place in Manchester on February 8 and 9, 2025 as part of the Digital Skills Festival, which AtkinsRéalis has signed on to as Headline Sponsor. The winners will each be offered a permanent job as digital & technology specialist, based in AtkinsRéalis’ central Manchester offices, with competitive salary and generous starting bonus.
The 2025 festival is set to be bigger and better than ever, with a number of new events announced, including a Digital Skills Feast for tech leaders, Future Innovators Day, which is an exciting tech competition for school children, and a re-imagined Digital Her Day.
The flagship Talent Day also returns, with around 2,000 job seekers from students and graduates through to career changers attending the event with more than 40 of the leading tech businesses from across the region showcasing careers, job opportunities and apprenticeships. This year’s Talent Day will be taking place in the iconic New Century Hall.
Katie Gallagher OBE, Manchester Digital’s managing director, said: “Manchester, one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech hubs, is home to over 86,000 tech professionals and the Digital Skills Festival is the perfect platform to reflect and focus on the workforce that we need to build and skill for the future.
“It’s an opportunity for tech businesses to showcase their commitment to innovation, diversity and community impact while strengthening the link between industry and education.”
AtkinsRéalis has a large and growing presence in Greater Manchester working across transportation, infrastructure, energy, and cyber security, and has worked on a large number of projects within and around the city. The company already has a large number of digital and technology vacancies, along with apprenticeships and a large-scale graduate programme including schemes for digital & technology, data intelligence, transportation technology and Software. All participants in the #HackaFuture event will be considered for live and future opportunities at the organisation, along with access to career mentors.
AtkinsRéalis is encouraging anyone interested to enter by the 30 November. Teams of up to five can enter, with a commitment to match individual applicants with other prospective competitors to help create teams with a balance of strengths and skills.
