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Pupils from Nottingham Academy were given an insight into careers in technology and business last month after attending a Think Big masterclass at Ideagen’s global head office in Ruddington.

Delivered in partnership with Nottingham Forest Community Trust, the session brought together 14 students with Ideagen staff and Community Trust colleagues for a full day of interactive workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities designed to broaden horizons and spark ambition.

The day began with an icebreaker and quiz to introduce pupils to Ideagen, followed by opportunities to move around the room and speak directly with professionals from across the business and Nottingham Forest Community Trust.

Students were encouraged to ask questions about different roles, career journeys, and future pathways, helping them to better understand the world of work and the variety of routes into employment.

A highlight of the morning was a coding workshop, where pupils worked together to programme Sphero robots. The activity challenged students to think logically, problem-solve, and collaborate, while also giving them a practical introduction to coding and technology in action.

Students were then taken on a guided tour of Ideagen’s offices, allowing the students to experience a real working environment and learn more about the different departments and collaborative spaces that make up a leading global technology company.

After lunch, pupils took part in a creative workshop led by Ideagen ambassadors, where they were tasked with designing an invention that used technology to help their local community.

The session encouraged innovation, teamwork, and social awareness, reinforcing how technology can be used as a force for positive change.

Throughout the day, Ideagen ambassadors shared their own career stories, explaining their roles and the paths they took to get there. Pupils also learned more about Ideagen’s work and its global client base, helping them to understand how local careers can have worldwide impact.

The session was supported by Think Big programme ambassadors from across a number of the organisation’s departments including AI, Marketing and Sales.

What are Think Big ambassadors?

Think Big ambassadors are real-life professionals working in a variety of roles across different industries. They provide students with insight, advice, and an overview of their own career journeys. By sharing their experiences, ambassadors inspire young people, raise aspirations, and demonstrate the diverse opportunities available beyond school.

Ambassadors also guide activities, answer questions about the world of work, and offer practical tips to help pupils build confidence and develop key skills. For many students, meeting and learning from real professionals is a transformative experience that helps them think bigger about their futures.

What are Think Big masterclasses?

Think Big masterclasses are an enhanced element of the programme, designed to engage schools and students who have shown exceptional commitment, curiosity, and engagement throughout their Think Big journey. Delivered in real workplace settings, the masterclasses provide young people with deeper, more immersive experiences that go beyond the classroom.

By connecting pupils directly with colleagues from Ideagen and NFCT, masterclasses help to build confidence, develop communication skills, and give students a clearer understanding of the skills, behaviours, and opportunities that exist in different industries. For many pupils, they offer a valuable opportunity to see themselves in future careers they may not have previously considered.

“The masterclass at Ideagen was a fantastic experience for the pupils,” said Dan Fisher, Think Big Coordinator at Nottingham Forest Community Trust. “They left the session inspired, confident, and more aware of the opportunities available to them.

“Masterclasses like this are so important because they take learning beyond the classroom and place it in a real working environment.

“Seeing students engage so enthusiastically with coding, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, while speaking directly to professionals about their own journeys, really shows the impact these experiences can have on young people’s aspirations and future choices.”