Atom bank, the UK’s highest-rated bank on Trustpilot, today announces the launch of its Early Careers Programme. 

Driven by the bank’s ambition to enhance social mobility and access to great early career opportunities, the programme includes a range of initiatives aimed at helping students make their university dreams a reality and to build challenging, fruitful careers. 

The Atom Futures Fund and the bank’s sponsorship of the Anne-Marie Imafidon (AMI) Women in Technology Scholarships at Durham University empower students by equipping them with funding and support to realise their aspirations, with the first tranche of successful applicants having now started their university careers. 

These initiatives are crucial given the barriers facing young people in the North East, which has some of the lowest levels of post-16 attainment at school and of progression to higher education1. This results in poorer social and economic opportunities for young people compared to other parts of the country and is particularly true for those in care or from lower income backgrounds.

In addition, Atom works with the EY Foundation and Chartered Institute of Banking, offering a work experience scheme to Year 12 students on free school meals. 

Helping students make their university dream a reality

The Atom Futures Fund was launched in April in partnership with Point North, a charity focused on addressing poverty in the North East, to increase the number of young people from low-income backgrounds and those in the care system who apply to and then go on to attend one of our top UK universities. The Futures Fund offers £250 grants to eligible Year 13 students who apply to a university in the Russell Group - one of the 24 research-intensive universities in the UK. The money comes with no conditions attached, and is backed up with a further grant of £1,000 to those students who go on to accept and take up their place at university. So far, Atom has provided £250 grants to 13 eligible students, and will provide the additional £1,000 to each successful Russell Group applicant in January.

The targeting of the Futures Fund seeks to alleviate financial pressures and ensure a smooth transition into university life for gifted young people from North East communities that are under-represented in our top universities. And based on the great response to the launch of the Fund the bank has decided to extend eligibility for the fund to young carers, a group that faces unique and significant challenges in accessing higher education, and which provides a hugely important societal role in this country.

A student at Durham University and a recipient of the Futures Fund said: “The Atom Futures Fund recognises that ability, not background, is what matters. You putting your faith in me is not something I take lightly. It means that you see me for who I am, and believe my potential is a worthy investment.”

Addressing the diversity gap in the tech sector

Atom has funded a number of initiatives to boost coding skills and access to tech training for women since its launch, but is now starting a strategic initiative to improve diversity in the technology sector through funding two new Women in Technology scholarships with Durham University. The Women in Technology programme, inspired by tech leader Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE and founded by engineer and Durham alumnus Ian Ellison-Taylor, confronts the issue of the stagnating numbers of women working in tech.

Women make up only 26% of the tech workforce in the UK, and only 5% hold leadership positions3. Atom’s scholarships are focused on improving the diversity of graduates studying in the technology field, and once again the support is focused on candidates who come from lower income backgrounds. The successful recipients of the scholarships, Andrea Johnson and Lily Allswell, will also gain access to mentoring, information on internships, and leadership opportunities at Atom.

Andrea Johnson, successful AMI scholar recipient, said: “Atom’s support is crucial for me to continue to excel academically, and to get involved in the initiatives that made it possible for me to be here in the first place. As an AMI scholar, I will be working as a student ambassador to promote diversity across different fields at events such as open days. I hope that sharing my love for technology will encourage others like me to have the ambition to continue with their studies, and become a force for change in tech.”

Graduates looking for full-time employment

As part of its Early Careers Programme, Atom has also recently launched its new Graduate Scheme to develop future leaders at the bank, offering seven graduate roles across finance, technology and business in 2025. Atom is already committed to attracting and nurturing a diverse inflow of talent, with six individuals who joined at entry-level positions in the past now advancing into senior roles within the company. Applicants can apply for the graduate roles here.

Edward Twiddy, Head of ESG at Atom bank said: “As one of the largest and fastest growing employers in the North East we want Atom bank to be at the forefront of driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth within the community, while unashamedly developing talented individuals who can join our growing workforce.

“The North East region faces distinct societal challenges meaning that too many talented young people miss out on opportunities due to their background. Our new Early Careers programme aims to help break down barriers and ensure that more people have access to the education and career opportunities they need to thrive.”