The B!G Idea
The B!G Idea
The B!G Idea
The B!G Idea

Connect
Create
Thrive

The B!G Idea
The B!G Idea
The B!G Idea
The B!G Idea

“I found The B!G Idea process really interesting. It was so different to everything we’ve done in school before. And outside of all school-work, it’s like more practical work. And working in teams and that’s more enjoyable.”

Lucy, TY Student, Cashel Community, Tipperary

Ready to elevate your students’ learning experience? Our award-winning programme empowers students to become future change-makers, bridging the gap between industry and education for a brighter tomorrow!

“It's been great! I've been really well supported throughout the programme. You get the big box at the start with everything you need in it, all the lesson plans are done and it's all ready everyday - all you need to do is look through it.”

Holly Kane, Teacher, Lisneal College.

Why choose The B!G Idea?

We’re more than just a programme—we unlock your students’ potential with direct access to industry experts via online mentoring. Our initiative complements the Northern Ireland Curriculum, especially in Learning for Life and Work, offering opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and real-world problem-solving. With mentor guidance, students gain the confidence and creativity to tackle 21st-century challenges and succeed beyond the classroom.

Student-Driven Challenges

Our programme empowers students to identify and tackle societal challenges that matter most to them. By connecting their personal concerns to real-world issues, students gain a deeper understanding and a stronger sense of purpose.

Comprehensive Resources

Everything you need to seamlessly integrate our programme into your curriculum, including 25 workshop lesson plans, presentations, printables, and videos. Our resources are designed to support both teachers and students making our programme easy, fun and effective to deliver.

Industry Mentorship

Student teams receive valuable feedback and guidance from industry mentors online at key stages, offering real-world insights and fostering professional connections. This mentorship enriches their learning experience and helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and future careers.

Teacher-Led Delivery

Delivered by dedicated teaching staff, our programme ensures a supportive and familiar learning environment for students. We offer guided CPD sessions and ongoing support to equip teachers with the tools and confidence needed to successfully deliver the 25 workshops.

Think B!G Packs

We level the playing field for all your TY students providing everything they need to participate successfully in our programme. From project and activity materials right down to a pencil. We help young people learn differently and actively.

Innovative Thinking

Students will learn industry-proven problem-solving and creative thinking strategies to develop groundbreaking ideas, honing their ability to think outside the box and apply innovative solutions to societal challenges and set them up for sucess for any career they choose.

The B!G Showcase

Every innovative idea will be celebrated at our hybrid B!G Showcase, bringing together students, mentors, and industry partners to recognise and reward creativity and impact. Enjoy inspiring guest speakers, collaborative fun activities and lots more.

The B!G Exhibition

Every idea that students submit is celebrated with the wider world on our online exhibition. This virtual gallery not only highlights the potential, creativity and innovative thinking of young people but also provides a platform for their voices to be heard on a global scale.

The B!G Accelerator

Teams with high potential idea’s will have the chance to join our B!G Accelerator, where they’ll meet there mentors in person and receive additional guidance and support to refine and advance their ideas, turning potential into action all wrapped in a fun filled environment.

NI Stories

Ticking Your Curriculum Box's

Learning for Life & Work

Personal Development

21st Century Skills

Free and Accessible

Online Student Mentorship

Designed by Experts

All Materials Provided

Teacher Supports

Internationally Award Winning

Structured Programme

Aligned with Curriculum

Think B!G Packs

National Reach

Silver Gaisce Award

UDL Principles

Mapped to Policy

“We’re more than just a programme—we unlock your students’ full potential through direct access to industry experts via our unique online mentoring. Our initiative complements the Northern Ireland Curriculum, providing unmatched opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and real-world problem-solving. With guidance from professional mentors, students gain the confidence and creativity to tackle societal challenges and make a meaningful impact, both now and in the future.”

Siobhan Blaney, Head of Education, The B!G Idea

Meet the Mentors

Kate Killeen
Kate Killeen
People Lead, Ireland
Kate Killeen
People Lead, Ireland
Glyn Griffiths
Glyn Griffiths
Sustainability Innovation Consultant

Glyn Griffiths is an expert in making sure that the technology we love is created in a way that’s better for the planet. He works as a Lead Sustainability Consultant, which means he uses a lot of data to help design things more sustainably. He has a PhD in Sustainability.

Glyn Griffiths
Sustainability Innovation Consultant
Fiona D’Arcy
Fiona D’Arcy
Director and Investor
Fiona D’Arcy
Director and Investor
Chloe Leonard
Chloe Leonard
Global Operations Key Account Manager
Chloe Leonard
Global Operations Key Account Manager
Brian Mulligan
Brian Mulligan
Head of Engineering & BIM
Brian Mulligan
Head of Engineering & BIM
Amanda Fennell
Amanda Fennell
Marketing Director, Construction Marketing

I am director of EMEA Marketing in Autodesk Construction and Autodesk Ireland site lead, based in the EMEA headquarters in Dublin. I have worked in marketing for food, consulting and IT, living in Ireland, France, Germany and the UK. I enjoy running, hiking, travel and cooking.

Amanda Fennell
Marketing Director, Construction Marketing