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The Think Big programme, a partnership between Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen, welcomed Djanogly City Academy to Ideagen’s Ruddington office.

This initiative is designed and delivered to inspire the next generation by introducing young people to the exciting possibilities of careers in technology and sport.

The Think Big programme, which engages with over 15,000 pupils across Nottinghamshire every school year, aims to ignite curiosity and motivation around technology.

A standout feature of the initiative is the workplace experience, where students step out of their classrooms and into the professional world.

At Ideagen’s global headquarters, students gain firsthand insights into how a tech company operates, while participating in interactive workshops and meeting industry professionals.

The pinnacle of the Think Big programme is the opportunity for students to apply for apprenticeships at Ideagen.

Each year, the global tech organisation opens a selection of apprenticeship roles, aligned with its vision to develop the next generation of tech talent.

These apprenticeships provide a vital pathway for students to transition from education into the professional world, gaining both practical experience and academic qualifications.

During this visit, students had the opportunity to engage with Ideagen staff, learning about their roles within the organisation.

These personal interactions help students understand how a global tech company operates and how diverse careers in technology are accessible to them.

In addition, students had the chance to meet Ideagen’s latest cohort of apprentices.

These young professionals offered relatable insights into their journeys, sharing experiences of the application process, the qualifications they needed, and what it’s like stepping into their first “proper” job.

They also discussed the educational aspects of their apprenticeships, explaining how they balance on-the-job learning with structured training.

Hearing directly from apprentices helped students envision how they could follow a similar path and underscored how accessible these opportunities are. It also gave them a real-world understanding of the skills and attributes needed to succeed in the tech industry.

This real-world experience offers numerous benefits to students:

Hands-On Learning: Participating in practical workshops helps students understand complex concepts in a tangible and engaging way.

Career Inspiration: By meeting professionals in various roles, students are exposed to a broad range of career paths, from software development to account management.

Confidence Building: Experiencing an office environment demonstrates the workplace, making it feel more accessible and achievable for young people.

Soft Skills Development: From teamwork in workshops to professional communication, students refine essential skills that are invaluable in any career.

Broader Perspectives: Engaging with professionals and seeing tech in action encourages students to think about their futures in new and exciting ways.

Ideagen’s Global Community and Social Impact Lead, Claire Knee said, “Workplace visits offer students an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in a professional environment, helping them understand the real-world applications of the Think Big programme.

“These experiences inspire young people to visualise their own future careers, empowering them to set ambitious goals.

“It’s a fantastic addition to the Think Big programme, and we at Ideagen are incredibly proud to provide these opportunities to the next generation of talent.”

Alex McCafferty, Head of Personal Development at Djanogly City Academy said, “Working with Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen has been a fantastic and eye-opening experience for our scholars at Djanogly City Academy.

“This project has been able to show our scholars the possibilities that exist in Nottingham and throughout the world with Ideagen.

“The Think Big programme allows young people to see the alternative pathways that exist on their career journey.

“We look forward to continuing to work with both organisations for many years to come!”

This visit is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen, working together to support the futures of young people in Nottinghamshire.

By creating opportunities for young people to step into a corporate setting and aspire to tangible career goals, the programme bridges the gap between classroom learning and career readiness.

If you’re inspired by the opportunities in technology, why not take the next step and apply for an apprenticeship at Ideagen?

Applications for the September 2025 intake are now open, offering you the chance to gain hands-on experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and a head start in the tech industry.

Find out more here.