Opportunities for Businesses
There are numerous benefits to businesses being well-integrated into the society in which they operate: insightful knowledge on customer wants and needs; the pick of local talent; and being a respectful and respected organisation, to name just a few.
Solutions for the planet
We are now living in a fragmented society where private business and public services, such as schools, have little integration. Our award-winning Big Ideas Programme aims to address this by bringing together the expertise of local business with the innovation and optimism of today’s young generations. We believe in the power of collaboration and the mutual benefits it brings. Read on to find out how the Big Ideas Programme can help you.
Our partners have highlighted a range of tangible advantages to being part of the programme
FAQs about the Big Ideas Programme
What is the Big Ideas Programme?
The Big Ideas Programme is a national STEM and enterprise programme that connects businesses with schools to inspire the next generation of innovators. Through mentoring and collaboration, businesses support young people to develop solutions to real-world sustainability challenges while helping students build skills, confidence and awareness of future career opportunities.
Why should businesses get involved in STEM education?
Businesses play an important role in helping young people understand how STEM skills are used in the workplace. By engaging with schools, organisations can inspire future talent, raise awareness of career opportunities and help students develop the skills needed for the future workforce.
The Big Ideas Programme enables businesses to make a direct impact by sharing their expertise, mentoring students and supporting innovation around sustainability challenges.
What are the benefits of partnering with schools?
School partnerships help businesses build stronger connections with their communities while creating opportunities to inspire young people. Benefits include improving employer reputation, supporting social impact goals, engaging employees and helping develop the future talent pipeline.
Through the Big Ideas Programme, businesses work directly with students to share knowledge, encourage innovation and demonstrate how careers in STEM and sustainability can make a difference.
How can businesses support careers education?
Businesses can support careers education by providing students with meaningful encounters with employers, sharing industry insights and showing how skills learned in school connect to real jobs.
By becoming mentors through the Big Ideas Programme, business employees help students understand different career pathways while developing their own mentoring and leadership skills.
What are the benefits of employee volunteering and mentoring?
Employee volunteering gives staff the opportunity to develop leadership, communication and coaching skills while contributing to their organisation’s social impact goals. Mentoring young people can also increase employee engagement and create a stronger sense of purpose.
The Big Ideas Programme provides structured opportunities for employees to mentor students and share their professional experience.
How does working with schools support ESG goals?
Working with schools can support environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals by helping businesses create positive social impact within their communities. Employer engagement initiatives can contribute to education, skills development and creating more inclusive access to career opportunities.
The Big Ideas Programme helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, education and supporting young people.
How can businesses help develop future STEM talent?
Businesses can help develop future STEM talent by inspiring students, sharing real-world experiences and showing young people the range of careers available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Early engagement with students helps businesses build awareness of their industries and encourage more young people to consider STEM-related pathways.
Why is it important for businesses to inspire young people about sustainability?
Young people will play a key role in addressing future environmental and social challenges. By sharing expertise and supporting sustainability-focused projects, businesses can help students understand how innovation and industry can contribute to a more sustainable future.
The Big Ideas Programme gives businesses the opportunity to guide students as they develop creative solutions to real sustainability issues.
What skills do employees develop by mentoring students?
Mentoring students can help employees strengthen valuable workplace skills, including communication, leadership, coaching and presentation skills. It also provides opportunities for employees to reflect on their own expertise and share their knowledge with the next generation.
How much time does it take to become a business mentor?
The time commitment depends on the level of involvement, but the Big Ideas Programme is designed to make participation accessible for businesses. Mentors provide guidance, feedback and encouragement to student teams throughout the programme while fitting activities around their availability.
What are the benefits of businesses working with young people?
Working with young people gives businesses the opportunity to inspire future talent, gain fresh perspectives and strengthen connections with their local communities. Engaging with students can help organisations develop their employees’ skills, enhance their social impact and build awareness of future career pathways within their industry.
Young people bring curiosity, creativity and new ideas, offering businesses valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that matter to the next generation. By sharing their expertise and collaborating with students, businesses can help shape future skills while creating meaningful relationships with potential future employees.
The Big Ideas Programme enables businesses to work directly with young people through mentoring and collaboration. Business mentors support students as they develop innovative solutions to real-world sustainability challenges, while gaining valuable experience in leadership, communication and community engagement.
Of business volunteer mentors surveyed in 2025:
%
believe the programme has benefitted their business as a whole
%
feel it has helped them to be more creative in how they find solutions
%
have enhanced their communication, collaboration and leadership skills.
Mentor Case Studies
Tracey Foster
Name: Tracey Foster Company: Tarmac Division: Blocks Team Job title/role: Sales Fulfilment Advisor “I’ve already signed up for another year!” I got involved in the Big Ideas Programme because I liked concept of helping young people develop new skills while at the same...
Steve Bailey
Name: Steve Bailey Company: Tarmac Division: Marine Job title/role: Wharf manager “It’s a great way of giving something back to the local community” Having two kids myself I was hoping that, by taking part in the Big Ideas Programme, I could bridge the gap...
Robert Thomas
Name: Robert Thomas Company: Tarmac Division: Materials Yorkshire Job title/role: General Management Graduate “I would encourage anyone with the time to get involved!” I got involved with Solutions for the Planet because of their drive to make topics surrounding STEM...
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