AtkinsRéalis is pioneering a unique recruitment drive at the Digital Skills Festival, focusing on creativity over formal qualifications.
- Five permanent roles are available for winners of the hackathon, targeting top tech talent in the North West.
- Participants will leverage advanced technology to solve real-world challenges, showcasing skills beyond traditional engineering expertise.
- The #HackaFuture event will take place in Manchester and aims to attract a diverse range of creative talent.
- The initiative will be a key feature of the enlarged 2025 Digital Skills Festival, spotlighting innovation and industry education.
AtkinsRéalis is revolutionising the traditional recruitment process by launching an unprecedented campaign during the 2025 Digital Skills Festival in Manchester. This initiative prioritises creativity and innovative thinking over classical qualifications, aiming to discover the finest tech enthusiasts in the North West.
A distinctive aspect of this recruitment campaign is the introduction of a hackathon named #HackaFuture, where five permanent positions are offered to the winning team. Participants will utilise technologies such as robotics, augmented reality, gaming engines, and drones to create solutions addressing real-world issues. This approach challenges the conventional belief that success in engineering is limited to those with formal degrees.
The hackathon is open to individuals from various professional backgrounds, ranging from gamers and software developers to data scientists. It encourages diverse problem-solving skills and inventive mindsets, thus providing a platform for participants to demonstrate their capabilities without being bound by specific academic or professional prerequisites.
Sam Stephens, the head of digital at AtkinsRéalis’ nuclear division, highlighted the dynamic environment that the company’s digital teams operate within. He stated, ‘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.’
The #HackaFuture event is set to enhance the Digital Skills Festival, scheduled for 8 and 9 February 2025 in Manchester, with AtkinsRéalis as the Headline Sponsor. The festival’s expansion includes a Digital Skills Feast for tech leaders, Future Innovators Day for young tech enthusiasts, and a reimagined Digital Her Day, enhancing engagement within the tech community.
Talent Day, a signature event of the festival, will return, drawing around 2,000 job seekers, from students to career changers, showcasing opportunities from more than 40 leading tech businesses. Taking place at New Century Hall, this day provides a unique chance for networking and career exploration for participants from various stages of their professional journeys.
AtkinsRéalis’ #HackaFuture hackathon presents an unprecedented opportunity to redefine traditional approaches in tech recruitment, fostering innovation and diverse talent.
