AtkinsRéalis Apprentice and Graduate Programmes – AtkinsRéalis and Amberjack

AtkinsRéalis is a design, engineering and project management company working to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. In 2023, AtkinsRéalis hired 508 graduate students and 229 placement students, the placements serving as the future pipeline for graduate students. Apprentice hires totalled 112. The company, with about 40 locations, creates hubs for their young professionals, to help them create their own community and support their learning and development. 

The core objectives of the early careers recruitment strategy are to improve access to engineering, build understanding of Atkins and its opportunities, and to recruit a diverse cohort of talent to support the organisation now and in the future. A virtual work experience initiative for 14- to 18-year-olds that delivers information on careers in engineering, sustainability and life at Atkins supported 731 students, of whom nearly 42% were female, nearly 19% on free school meals and over 50% identified as BAME. Of the participating students, 75% said that post-programme that they were likely or very likely to consider a career in engineering.

The company’s first-year insight programme aims to educate students about Atkins and help them develop industry specific skills such as project management. This initiative resulted in 65% of applicants coming from ethnically diverse backgrounds, 27% converting onto the Atkins placement programme. Of those, 54% identified as BAME, 36% as female.

AtkinsRéalis aims to develop solutions that make a real, positive difference to people, society and the environment. “Our early careers programmes play an important role in this,” the company said.

Judges’ comments

“A worthy winner as they nailed the brief: it was evident through their technology implementation and the support to their graduates with some really impressive results, especially at the scale of the projects.”