Think Big Programme
Think Big connects young people to the world of tech and opportunity and is a partnership between Nottingham Forest Foundation and Ideagen that promotes the benefits of a career in tech for young people.
Ideagen, a fast-growing software company, and Nottingham Forest Foundation have joined forces to help inspire young people from diverse communities across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to embrace technology careers.
Our aim is to use the power of football to get young people interested in technology-based jobs as a viable, exciting and rewarding career path. As well as some technical skills, young people will be taught softer skills that will help with their employability longer term.
The programme is for key stage 4 students in mainstream, SEND and AP schools in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and aims to impact on the career aspirations and opportunity awareness of local young people.
The project will result in inspired young people who are aware of and prepared for roles in tech.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Presentation and film
The Think Big programme kicks-off with a five-minute film, shot, directed, and produced in Nottingham – about Nottingham and technology. Explore the city in a way never seen before. Going from the Market Square to the City Ground to Ideagen, you’ll learn how Nottingham is a leading city for technology, how it’s transforming all careers and how it influences roles at Nottingham Forest and Ideagen.
Think Big Masterclasses
Visit Ideagen and experience a tour of their inspirational office, meet with Think Big ambassadors and complete an app development challenge.
Think Big Workshops
Our one-hour workshops include a mix of taught activity and group challenges. Themes are Nottingham & Tech, Sport & Tech and the diversity of roles in tech. You can also visit The City Ground through virtual reality. These workshops are delivered in schools.
People in tech videos
Explore what it’s really like to work in tech and sport and discover how people Think Big through our ‘People in tech’ videos. Each is about 2 minutes long and features role models from both Ideagen and Nottingham Forest.
Match day activity
Visit the world famous City Ground and have the stadium tour, see Nottingham Forest play and see how tech is used and implemented at a Premier League football club. Explore goal line technology, video assistance referees (VAR) and get in the know about the importance of tech in the game.
Apprenticeships
Think Big will make apprenticeships in tech visible to you. Ideagen offer apprenticeship opportunities every year, view our apprenticeships.
AMBASSADORS
Jobs in technology are much more varied than you might think. We put the spotlight on individuals to delve into their stories and how they think big in the workplace.
From videographers to business analysts, coders to graphic designers and apprentices to engineers, our ambassadors cover a range of skills and experiences which are shared with students to give them insight into the lives of real people in real jobs.
Our ambassadors are role models from Nottingham Forest Football Club and Ideagen and can be booked by schools to inspire and inform students about careers in tech. They’ve been trained to share their career journeys, give insight into their job roles, share their skills and motivate students.
Ideagen Ambassadors
Introducing our Ideagen ambassadors. They can give you insight into what it’s like working at one of the world’s leading tech companies, from coding to videography and digital to IT support.
Nottingham Forest Foundation Ambassadors
Say hello to our Nottingham Forest Football Club ambassadors, a dedicated Foundation team at one of the world’s most iconic and recognised football clubs. They’ll give you an understanding of how tech is used at the club on a day-to-day basis. Each ambassador has a different role within the Foundation and club and can offer various expertise and guidance on how they got into their role and the skillsets they use on a daily basis.
WHAT IS THINK BIG?
Careers & Apprenticeships
Ideagen is the invisible force behind many things we rely on every day – from keeping airplanes soaring in the sky, ensuring the food on our tables is safe, to helping doctors and nurses care for the sick.
Everyday millions of people are kept safe using Ideagen software. When you think of Ideagen, think of it as the silent teammate that’s always working behind the scenes to help those people who make our lives safer and better.
They have offices all over the world including North America, Australia, Malaysia and India with people doing lots of different and exciting jobs.
Ideagen have some great benefits including; Wow events, volunteering leave, discounted food, free lunches, mentorship, training and 34 days holiday (including bank holidays).
Ideagen apprenticeship opportunities appear each year, during September.
However some roles do get added outside this period, so please check in at regular intervals.
How To Get Involved
Ready to inspire your students to think big about their future?
The Think Big programme equips young people with essential life skills, career insights, and the confidence to reach their potential – all backed by Nottingham Forest Foundation and Ideagen.
For more information, contact our Think Big Coordinator at jared.measures@nottinghamforest.co.uk to discuss how Think Big can support your school’s students future.
Think Big Partners
