Young people from across Nottinghamshire will have the chance to boost their employability prospects thanks to an innovative new career support service.

Teachers from across the county will be able use a new online portal to book careers ambassadors to visit schools, either virtually or in person, in a bid to increase young people’s exposure to potential future employers and support their career choices.

Created by Nottingham-headquartered software company, Ideagen and Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT) as part of their Think Big partnership, the hope is that more firms will get involved thus widening the exposure young people have to career opportunities.

To mark the launch, which coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, Ideagen hosted 15 students from South Nottinghamshire Academy for a Think Big masterclass.  They got to meet ambassadors, Ideagen apprentices and learn about the exciting roles available in tech.

Claire Knee, of Ideagen, said: “Student engagement with employers is vital. Statistically, young people who have taken part in up to four activities with employers are 86% less likely to become NEET (not in employment, education or training) between the ages of 16 and 24 compared with those who did none, making the service an important and exciting opportunity.”

Nearly 13,000 students from 35 secondary schools have benefited from Think Big activities in the year to January 2023. This has included hosting assemblies, workshops, masterclasses, and tech for good challenges aimed at promoting technology as a career choice and raising awareness of the different technology-related career paths.

For more information visit www.thinkbiggoals.co.uk