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Since the start of the 2024/25 academic year, the Think Big programme, powered by Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen, has engaged with an impressive number of pupils across Nottinghamshire.

Think Big assemblies have reached 7,410 pupils across 50 schools, providing the first step in their journey towards exploring technology and innovation.

These assemblies kick off with a feature video showcasing the latest advancements in Nottingham’s tech scene, setting the stage for an inspiring and tech-focused experience.

The programme’s impact doesn’t stop there.

Twenty eight schools have received Think Big workshops, covering topics such as marketing, tech and sport, coding, artificial intelligence, and video interviews.

These sessions have reached a total of 1,019 pupils, with 56 workshops delivered since the start of term.

The workshops go beyond the surface, allowing students to dive deeper into tech-powered themes and challenges.

Each session culminates in a creative exercise where pupils design a piece of technology aimed at benefiting themselves, their peers, or society.

Think Big is designed to be more than just a set of lessons; it’s a gateway to the tech industry, offering students:

Hands-On Experience: Building confidence and technical skills through practical activities.

Career Insights: Exploring potential paths in the tech sector, from software development and digital marketing to data analysis and more.

Innovation Opportunities: Encouraging teamwork and problem-solving to tackle real-world challenges.

Seventy pupils have enjoyed exclusive matchday experiences at the City Ground during seven Premier League home games.

These experiences are not only a reward for outstanding engagement but also a chance to see technology in action within a professional sports environment.

A standout opportunity for 31 students was visiting Ideagen’s global headquarters in Ruddington.

These practical sessions immersed pupils in a real-world tech environment, featuring interactive workshops and direct engagement with industry professionals.

Students explored diverse roles within the organisation, from software development to account management, gaining invaluable insights into how a tech company operates.

Key benefits of these sessions include, practical learning, career inspiration, confidence building, skill development and broadening perspectives.

Nottingham Forest Community Trust’s Think Big Programme Coordinator, Dante Diriso said, “The response to Think Big so far has been outstanding.

“By engaging thousands of pupils across Nottinghamshire, we’re not only introducing them to the world of technology but also helping them see their own potential within it.

“It’s inspiring to witness students take on creative challenges, explore innovative ideas, and gain insights into real-world tech careers.

“We’re excited to see where this journey takes them.”

To cap off this fantastic start, Ideagen has announced six exciting apprenticeship roles starting in September 2025.

These opportunities underline the programme’s commitment to providing long-term pathways for young people into the tech industry.

To find out more about the roles and how to apply, click here.

With a strong foundation laid in this first term, the Think Big programme continues to empower the next tech generation.