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The 2023-2024 academic year marked another outstanding chapter for the Think Big technology programme, delivered by Nottingham Forest Community Trust in partnership with Ideagen. Think Big targets secondary school students in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The programme, now going into its fourth year, continues its mission to motivate young people to become excited about technology by inspiring them to think big about future employment in the tech industry.

What is Think Big?

Think Big is a unique programme aimed at using the power of football to inspire young people to consider technology-based careers as viable, exciting, and rewarding paths. By integrating football’s universal appeal, the programme seeks to engage students’ interest and guide them toward careers in technology and sport. It provides students with both technical and soft skills essential for long-term employability.

Targeted at Key Stage 4 students in mainstream, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and Alternative Provision (AP) schools across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Think Big focuses on impacting career aspirations and raising awareness of opportunities in the tech industry for local young people. Through this comprehensive approach, the programme aims to empower students with the confidence and competence to explore technology-driven futures.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Think Big is more than just a technology programme; it is a transformative journey for students, igniting their passion for technology and innovation. Through a carefully curated curriculum, the programme offers hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and exciting. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, Think Big empowers students to explore the limitless possibilities that technology offers.

During the 2023/24 academic year, the programme achieved remarkable success by engaging 19,118 students from 54 schools and educational institutions. This included delivering 115 assemblies and 185 individual workshops and 182 students had the opportunity to attend a matchday experience at the City Ground.

The diverse range of participating schools included those from both the city and county, reflecting the programme’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students. Whether it was coding workshops, digital challenges, or interactive sessions with virtual reality, the activities were designed to cater to varied interests and skill levels, ensuring every student could find something to ignite their curiosity.

A Partnership for Success

The collaboration between Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen has been pivotal in making Think Big a success. By combining the Trust’s strong community presence and Ideagen’s expertise in technology, the programme has grown year after year, reaching more students, enhancing its curriculum, and offering a diverse range of apprenticeships at Ideagen.

“Think Big has become a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering young people through education,” said Calum Osborne, Nottingham Forest Community Trust CEO.

“Our partnership with Ideagen allows us to continuously expand our reach and provide students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

A pathway to apprenticeships

Details of the apprenticeships for the 2024/25 academic year will be released in September, providing prospective students and career leads with valuable information about available opportunities at Ideagen. The apprenticeships are designed to offer hands-on learning experiences and practical skills development across various departments, helping students transition smoothly into the workforce. With a focus on addressing current market demands, the upcoming release is highly anticipated by those looking to enhance their career prospects through experiential learning and on-the-job training.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Think Big programme or how you can get involved, please contact dante.diriso@nottinghamforest.co.uk for more details.