CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world, will launch its 2024 Young Dreamers competition in Newcastle this month. The ongoing programme will also have additional events in London and the Midlands later in the year. It will see CGI work with clients and partners to run a fun and engaging competition for secondary school students aimed at encouraging a passion for a future in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
CGI Young Dreamers was first launched in 2022 to build upon existing work in STEM education and to build lasting relationships with schools in regions local to the offices and operations of CGI and its clients. CGI Young Dreamers aims to inspire students and showcase the breadth of interests that can lead to a career in STEM. The programme also supports students in developing crucial skills such as teamwork, researching and presenting, whilst also emphasising the importance of having fun while developing STEM-based skills.
This year’s programme kicks off with year eight and nine students from Kenton, Walker Riverside, and Excelsior Academy in Newcastle attending an innovation day where they will be introduced to their assigned projects and come together to explore innovative propositions on STEM subjects.
Working with central and local government organisations including HMRC, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Newcastle City Council, CGI has created four ‘client briefs’ centred around STEM topics. This year’s briefs include designing new ways Newcastle United Football Club can continue to ensure public safety, exploring new technology that can help solve youth unemployment challenges in Newcastle, designs for a more carbon-neutral match day and the creation of a financial life skills course.
Phill Newbury, Vice President Consulting Services, Central Government at CGI in the UK says: “We started CGI Young Dreamers to help encourage students to consider careers in STEM. Employers play a vital role in ensuring a school or college offers a careers programme which prepares our young people for the world of work. External studies show that young people who have had four or more encounters with employers are 86% less likely to become NEET (not in education, employment, or training) and are likely to go on to earn 18% more. CGI Young Dreamers is about providing an opportunity for such vital interaction and engagement between young people and employers. By expanding the programme across the UK, we are able to collaborate with more like-minded businesses, universities, government departments and local authorities to create a dynamic environment for fostering young talent."
Following the initial brief, students are supported by CGI consultants in developing their proposals and presenting their initial ideas, with the most innovative projects selected to be presented at the final on March 26, 2024, at St. James’ Park - Newcastle United’s Football Ground. Students will outline their ideas in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitch to a panel of CGI clients and industry leaders.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,500 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2023 reported revenue is CA$14.30 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.
