2023/24
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT
The 2023/24 academic year marked a period of growth
This year, we proudly supported the appointment of 7 apprentices at Ideagen, reinforcing the real-world opportunities available to our participants. We also refined our workshop curriculum, enhancing the learning experience for students and building a lasting partnership between Nottingham Forest and Ideagen.
By working closely with students to understand their needs
INSPIRING
FUTURES
The Think Big programme, a collaborative initiative by Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Ideagen, aims to motivate secondary school students in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to explore exciting career opportunities in technology. By harnessing the universal appeal of football, the programme inspires young people to imagine and plan their futures in the tech industry. It offers an engaging curriculum that includes masterclasses, workshops, and hands-on activities designed to showcase the overlap of sports and technology. Students experience a dynamic introduction to the tech landscape through presentations, interactive app development challenges, virtual reality tours, and insightful “People in Tech” videos. Additionally, the programme offers matchday activities that highlight the use of technology in Premier League football, as well as visibility into apprenticeship opportunities at Ideagen. Think Big empowers young people from diverse communities to envision rewarding careers in technology by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE
“ THINK BIG HAS BECOME A CORNERSTONE OF OUR
COMMITMENT TO
EMPOWERING YOUNG
PEOPLE THROUGH EDUCATION. BY INSPIRING STUDENTS TO EXPLORE THE DYNAMIC WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY AND ITS LINKS WITH SPORTS, WE ARE PROVIDING THEM WITH THE SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE
NEEDED TO PURSUE EXCITING CAREERS IN
THIS
RAPIDLY EVOLVING
INDUSTRY. OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH IDEAGEN ALLOWS US TO CONTINUOUSLY
EXPAND
OUR REACH AND OFFER VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
WE ARE PROUD OF THE PROGRESS WE’VE MADE THIS YEAR AND REMAIN DEDICATED TO SHAPING THE FUTURE OF YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.”
CALUM OSBORNE CEO, Nottingham Forest Community Trust
A YEAR IN REVIEW
The 2023/24 academic year was a landmark period for the Think Big programme, marking significant growth and impact across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Throughout the year, the programme successfully engaged 19,118 students from 54 schools, offering a dynamic blend of 115 assemblies and 185 workshops tailored to spark interest in technology careers.
Compared to the previous academic year, engagements increased across all reporting benchmarks. Overall, engagements rose by 6.5% when comparing the 2023/24 academic year to 2022/23. A detailed analysis of the data reveals an increase of 475 students attending assemblies compared to the previous year. Additionally, workshop engagement increased by 20%, participation in Ideagen masterclasses saw a 68% rise, and student attendance at matches increased by 14%.
These impressive results can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the programme has built stronger relationships with schools, which has led to increased collaboration and a more integrated approach to programme delivery. These partnerships have enabled schools to better understand the programme’s benefits, resulting in higher participation rates.
Moreover, heightened awareness of the Think Big programme among educators and students has contributed to its growing popularity. Through targeted outreach efforts and positive word-of-mouth, more schools have become familiar with the programme’s offerings and its potential to enhance students’ future career prospects in technology.
Furthermore, schools have become more receptive to engaging in the programme. This openness is driven by a growing recognition of the importance of technology education and the value of exposing students to real-world tech applications. The programme’s ability to align with school curricula and its focus on practical, hands-on learning experiences have made it an attractive option for schools seeking to enrich their educational offerings.
Particular highlights of the programme included interactive coding sessions, digital challenges, and immersive experiences with virtual reality, all designed to cater to the diverse interests and skills of students. The programme’s partnership with Ideagen has continued to flourish, enhancing educational content and offering valuable apprenticeship opportunities.
19,118
15,104 182
31
POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND FUTURE COMMITMENT TO INSPIRING THE NEXT TECH GENERATION STUDENT FEEDBACK
“ THINK BIG ALLOWED ME TO UNDERSTAND DIFFERENT ROLES IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW TECHNOLOGY IS USED IN FOOTBALL.”
“ THE PROGRAMME ENABLED ME TO CREATIVELY THINK ABOUT BARRIERS IMPACTING SPORT AND ITS LINK WITH TECHNOLOGY.”
“ THINK BIG INSPIRED ME TO SEEK APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES.”
Feedback from students and educators was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the programme’s success in empowering young people to explore technology-driven futures.
As Think Big looks forward to another year, it remains committed to inspiring the next generation of tech innovators by expanding its reach and refining its offerings.
“ I HAVE LEARNT MORE ABOUT THE JOBS AVAILABLE TO ME AND IT HAS MADE ME THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT WHAT I WANT TO DO.”
“ I ENJOYED LOOKING AROUND THE STADIUM AND LEARNING ABOUT THE JOBS AND THE FACTS RELATING TO FOREST AND IDEAGEN.”
“ THINK BIG ALLOWED ME TO UNDERSTAND DIFFERENT ROLES IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW TECHNOLOGY IS USED AT FOOTBALL GAMES.” “ THINK BIG HELPED ME WITH MY CONFIDENCE.”
“ I
NOW WANT TO LEARN EVEN MORE ABOUT TECH.”
“ I NOW KNOW LOTS MORE ABOUT TECH AND THINK BIG HAS HELPED MASSIVELY.”
TEACHER FEEDBACK
“ THINK BIG INFORMS PUPILS IN A FUN WAY WITH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE OUTLINING WHAT JOBS THERE ARE AND TO BE ABLE
TO ASK QUESTIONS TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE.”
“
THE PROGRAMME COVERS A WIDE VARIETY OF SKILLS
AND LEARNING TO SUPPORT ENTRY TO THE WORKPLACE.”
“ THINK BIG IS AN EXCELLENT ADDITION TO ANY CAREERS PROGRAMME. IT ALLOWS YOUNG PEOPLE TO SEE A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO SPORT AND TECHNOLOGY. IT ALSO HELPS WITH THIS BEING A LOCAL COMPANY THAT HAS A VISIBLE PRESENCE IN THE NOTTINGHAM LANDSCAPE.”
2023/24 HIGHLIGHTS
We kicked off the academic year with a tailored programme designed to immerse students in the Think Big experience during the school holidays. The initiative was designed to work with local children to keep them engaged during the school holidays.
“ STUDENTS HAVE ALWAYS GAINED SO MUCH FROM THESE SESSIONS AND THEY’RE NOW AWARE OF OTHER JOBS THAT ARE AVAILABLE.”
“ INSPIRING AND EYE OPENING FOR STUDENTS - THEY REALLY START TO THINK ABOUT THE DIFFERENT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN TECH AND SPORT.”
“ IT IS A REALLY ENGAGING PROGRAMME THAT STUDENTS HAVE GOT EXCITED BY, THE WORKPLACE VISIT WAS EXCEPTIONAL AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH A MATCH WAS AMAZING.”
“ INTERESTING. SURPRISING. ENGAGING. ACCESSIBLE. VARIED. THOUGHT-PROVOKING. INSPIRING. CREATIVE.”
“ THINK BIG HAS BEEN A BRILLIANT ASSET TO OUR SCHOOL CAREERS PROGRAMME.”
Over the course of a week, students engaged in a series of enriching activities, including masterclasses at Ideagen that provided hands-on learning and insights into cutting-edge technologies. They participated in interactive workshops that covered various aspects of tech and sports, enhancing their skills and understanding.
The week culminated in a private tour of the City Ground, offering students an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the home of Nottingham Forest and showcasing the integration of technology in the sports industry.
This programme was particularly beneficial for students from underprivileged backgrounds, providing a positive and constructive environment during the holidays and helping them avoid potential risks associated with a lack of structured activities. The summer engagement set the stage for an exciting year ahead, equipping students with valuable experiences and inspiration for their future careers.
AMBASSADORS GET TOGETHER AT THE CITY GROUND
We hosted an engaging Ambassador Day at the City Ground, aimed at inspiring young people to explore exciting careers in the technology industry. The Think Big programme features a diverse group of ambassadors from Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Nottingham Forest Football Club, and Ideagen.
These ambassadors serve as role models, sharing their unique experiences and career journeys in various tech roles, such as business analysts, coders, and videographers. The Ambassador Day brought these ambassadors together for a dynamic day of activities, including networking opportunities that reinforced the core values of the programme and highlighted the expertise they bring to aspiring students. The day also featured a stadium tour, interactions with new apprentices, and workshops on coding and virtual reality.
PUPILS GAIN INSIGHTS FROM AMBASSADORS
One of the most valuable components of the Think Big programme is the opportunity for pupils to gain insights from ambassadors who are actively working in the tech and sports industries. These ambassadors bring a wealth of real-world experience and knowledge, offering students a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in these fields.
Throughout the year, ambassadors have engaged with many students in schools, where both ambassadors and students found the interactions highly valuable.
These engagements provided students with practical advice, inspiration, and a clearer understanding of potential career paths, while ambassadors had the chance to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of tech professionals.
PREPARING FOR THE WORKPLACE
Ideagen masterclasses offered students a comprehensive and immersive experience designed to prepare them for the professional world. During these engaging four-hour sessions, students had the unique opportunity to step into a real office environment and gain firsthand insights into the workings of a corporate setting.
The masterclasses included tours of various departments, allowing students to explore different functions within Ideagen and understand how each contributes to the overall organisation.
In addition, students had the chance to listen to and interact with employees, from both Ideagen and Nottingham Forest, including Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks,
providing them with valuable perspectives on career paths and industry expectations.
A highlight of the masterclasses was meeting Ideagen’s latest apprentices, who shared their personal experiences and the benefits of apprenticeship programmes. This interaction offered students a deeper understanding of the apprenticeship journey, highlighting the opportunities for growth and career development that Think Big can unlock.
Masterclasses concluded with a Tech4Good challenge, where students explored problems in the community and explored ways in which technology might help solve those issues.
HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Across the academic year, Think Big workshops were delivered in schools across Nottinghamshire, offering students diverse hands-on learning experiences. These workshops provided an engaging environment where students could dive into the world of technology, from programming and coding robots to exploring the role of tech in sports.
Sessions are designed to challenge students and stimulate their creativity, encouraging them to think outside the box. By working on innovative tech concepts and tackling real-world problems, students were not only able to apply their technical skills but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This holistic approach helped develop a deeper understanding of technology and its applications, empowering students to envision and create their own technological solutions.
A SOURCE OF GREAT PRIDE
“ THINK BIG IS A KEY ELEMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY STRATEGY AT IDEAGEN AND IT IS A SOURCE OF GREAT PRIDE FOR US. THE INNOVATIVE SUGGESTIONS THINK BIG STUDENTS MAKE FOR USING TECH FOR GOOD HAVE INFLUENCED OUR THINKING, AND IT’S INCREDIBLY REWARDING TO SEE STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE TECH INDUSTRY, AND THEIR PLACE IN IT, TRANSFORM AFTER TAKING PART.
WE CAN’T WAIT TO WELCOME MORE STUDENTS TO IDEAGEN AND TO THINK BIG IN THE YEAR AHEAD.”
BEN DORKS CEO, Ideagen
“ THE SUCCESS OF THE THINK BIG PROGRAMME HAS BEEN TRULY INSPIRING. IT’S BEEN INCREDIBLE TO SEE HOW ENGAGED AND MOTIVATED THE STUDENTS ARE, AND HOW OUR INITIATIVE IS SPARKING THEIR INTEREST IN TECHNOLOGY. BY PROVIDING THEM WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES AND REAL-WORLD INSIGHTS, WE’RE HELPING TO SHAPE A FUTURE WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE FEEL CONFIDENT AND EXCITED ABOUT PURSUING CAREERS IN TECH.”
CLAIRE KNEE
Global Community and Social Impact Lead,
Ideagen
PLANS FOR 2024/25
1 BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESSES
We are excited to leverage the achievements and insights gained from the 2023/24 year to further enrich the Think Big programme. By reflecting on our accomplishments and feedback from students and schools, we aim to deliver even greater impact.
2 CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Over the summer, we will be working diligently to develop and expand our curriculum. Our goal is to incorporate the latest advancements in technology and emerging industry trends, ensuring that our programme remains current and engaging. This will involve enhancing existing workshops and creating new content that addresses the evolving needs of our students.
3 A PREMIER EXPERIENCE
We will continue to inspire students by offering them the chance to engage with and experience a Premier League game at the City Ground. This unique opportunity will not only showcase the intersection of sports and technology but also provide a memorable and motivating experience that reinforces the relevance of tech in the sports industry.
4 LAUNCH OF NEW APPRENTICESHIPS
In response to the growing interest in practical career opportunities, we are set support the launch of new apprenticeships with Ideagen. These apprenticeships will offer students hands-on experience and valuable insights into various tech roles, helping them build a solid foundation for their future careers.
5 WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE PREPARATION
We will continue to prepare students for the world of work by providing them with immersive workplace experiences. This includes giving them a closer look at office environments, understanding professional workflows, and experiencing day-to-day operations in a tech-focused setting. These experiences will help bridge the gap between education and employment.
6 INTERVIEW PREPARATION
To further equip students for their career journeys, we will focus on preparing them for interviews. This includes offering guidance on best practices for interview preparation, providing mock video interview opportunities, and sharing tips on how to present effectively. Our aim is to boost students’ confidence and readiness for future job interviews.
7 EXPLORING NEW TECHNOLOGIES
The programme will delve into new and emerging technologies, exploring their societal impacts and potential.
By keeping students informed about the latest tech innovations, we aim to spark their curiosity and encourage them to think creatively about how technology can be harnessed to address contemporary challenges.
8 INDUSTRY TRENDS
We will keep students in the loop of what’s new in the tech world, including the latest trends and developments. This will involve updating our workshops and resources to reflect cutting-edge advancements and providing students with insights into future tech directions.
9 EXPANDING AMBASSADOR ENGAGEMENT
Building on our successful ambassador arm of the programme, we plan to expand the range of ambassadors available to pupils. This will involve bringing in more diverse professionals from both tech and sports sectors to offer varied perspectives and mentorship opportunities.
10
NEW SERIES OF ‘PEOPLE IN TECH’ VIDEOS
We will launch a new series of ‘People in Tech’ videos featuring fresh stories and insights from industry professionals. These videos will highlight different career paths, provide personal anecdotes, and offer practical advice, helping students connect with potential role models and gain a deeper understanding of the tech industry.
@thinkbiggoalsuk
@thinkbiggoals
@thinkbiggoals
@think-big-goals
www.thinkbiggoals.co.uk