TechRise #5 - Finding Your Feet in a Changing Tech Industry

Hello! Welcome back!

We are thrilled to announce the next instalment of TechRise MCR meetup, taking place on Thursday, November 26th 2026.

This time, our theme is on Navigating Change in Tech.

As we all know, the tech industry is changing rapidly, from the growing impact of AI on how we work and the skills employers need, to redundancies and an increasingly uncertain job market.

With so much shifting, it can be difficult to know how to navigate your career, where your skills fit, and where you belong in an industry that never stands still.

For this meetup, we’re bringing Manchester’s tech community together to talk honestly about these changes and what they mean for our careers and wellbeing.

We’ll hear first-hand about navigating redundancy, explore how to look after yourself when things feel uncertain, and share practical advice on recognising your strengths, communicating your value and standing out to employers in a changing tech market.

Whether you’ve recently been made redundant, are looking for your next opportunity, or are wondering how changes in technology might affect your future career, we hope you’ll leave with practical advice you can put into action, more confidence as you approach your next chapter, and new connections across Manchester’s tech community.

What to expect:

• Real experiences: An honest look at navigating redundancy, the challenges it brings and finding a way forward.
• Mental health and wellbeing: Practical ways to look after yourself, manage uncertainty and protect your confidence during periods of change.
• Finding your next move: Ideas for recognising your strengths, communicating your value and standing out in a changing tech market by building your brand.

There’ll be time for questions after each talk, as well as opportunities to connect with others across Manchester’s tech community throughout the evening.

This event is taking place at Forward Role, 4th Floor Croxley House, 14 Lloyd Street, M2 5ND. (accessible)

Event Schedule:

• 6 PM: Doors open, with food and networking
• 6:30pm: Talk 1 - Luke Chaplin: Navigating Tech Redundancy
• 7:00pm: Talk 2 - Mental Health & Wellbeing (speaker TBC)
• 7:30pm: Talk 3 - Amelia Bampton: Finding Your Voice - A Guide to Discovering Your Unique Personal Brand (Without the Ick)
• After the talks: Informal networking, followed by post-event drinks at The Old Nags Head (@oldnagsheadmcr)

(Please note that the timings are estimates and the event may run slightly longer)

Our speakers:

About Luke

Luke is one of the TechRise MCR co-organisers and a career changer who entered the world of tech after a 13 year career in the pharmaceutical industry, where he managed website design and delivery, as well as online marketing campaigns.

After deciding to pursue his interest in tech, he completed a coding bootcamp in early 2022 and became the first person to join Nimble Approach’s software engineering academy.

Since then, he’s worked across a range of tech stacks and platforms, including AI and data, supporting projects across industries such as education, finance, telecommunications, social care and healthcare, as well as the public sector, including the Department for Education and HMRC.

He is currently a Data Engineer at Made Tech.

About Amelia:

Amelia Bampton is a leader in technology delivery.

Her career has seen her working for both in-house technology teams at FTSE 100 companies and also global consultancies. Amelia has delivered large-scale, customer-centric tech solutions for companies in numerous industries. She is passionate about helping people find a career that lights them up each day and an advocate for driving greater inclusion in technology.

Providing her support through mentoring and thought leadership to break down the barriers of entry into the industry. Amelia is founder of the C² ‘Coffee & Collaboration’, co-work and networking club and founder of Career Boost Club, creating programmes and events where people can develop themselves and career in a mindful and fulfilling approach.

A Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Forward Role. A thank you for their support of the Manchester tech community.