AtkinsRéalis launches an innovative recruitment campaign at the 2025 Digital Skills Festival in Manchester.
- Five permanent job positions are available for winners of the ‘industry-first’ hackathon event.
- The ‘HackaFuture’ programme aims to identify top talent using cutting-edge technology without requiring specific qualifications.
- Participation is open to a diverse range of skill sets, challenging traditional recruitment processes.
- The event underscores Manchester’s growing role as a tech hub with a focus on innovation and education.
The 2025 Digital Skills Festival in Manchester will witness an intriguing recruitment campaign by AtkinsRéalis, a pioneering engineering services and nuclear company. This event features an unprecedented ‘industry-first’ hackathon named ‘HackaFuture’, where five permanent job roles are to be awarded to the winning candidates. Designed to focus on creativity and problem-solving, this initiative steps away from traditional recruitment paths.
The hackathon seeks to attract participants from varied backgrounds, including gamers, software developers, and data scientists. Emphasising creativity over conventional qualifications, participants are expected to devise solutions for real-world challenges using advanced technological tools such as robotics, augmented reality, and drones.
Sam Stephens, the head of digital for AtkinsRéalis’ nuclear division, emphasises the dynamic and fast-paced nature of their work environment. Stephens states, “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.”
Taking place on the 8th and 9th of February, the event is part of a broader effort to bolster Manchester’s status as a hub for digital innovation. With AtkinsRéalis as the headline sponsor, the festival will also feature the Digital Skills Feast for tech leaders, Future Innovators Day aimed at school children, and a revamped Digital Her Day.
The festival’s Talent Day, which sees participation from approximately 2,000 job seekers, further highlights the region’s commitment to nurturing tech talent. Manchester Digital’s managing director, Katie Gallagher OBE, articulates the vision for the festival as a platform for reflecting on the evolving workforce needs: “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 committed to offering the winning teams competitive salaries and significant starting bonuses. Additionally, participants in the hackathon will receive consideration for current and upcoming job openings within the company, along with access to career mentors, underscoring the festival’s aim to support talent development in the North West.
This recruitment drive presents a significant opportunity for individuals interested in pioneering roles within a leading company devoted to sustainable solutions, affirming Manchester’s role as a tech leader in Europe.
The Digital Skills Festival is poised to become a landmark event, cementing Manchester’s reputation as a centre for innovation and development.
