CGI one of the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world, launched its 2026 Young Dreamers competition in Newcastle this month.
CGI’s Young Dreamers programme connects students aged 12–14 from underserved communities with real-world STEM challenges, mentoring from professionals, and hands-on experiences to explore future careers. The goal was not just to teach tech skills, but to deliver an inclusive, school-wide experience that allowed every student to discover their potential.
The programme has been running since 2022 and is built around four core judging criteria, which reflect the soft skills critical in all tech careers:
– Teamwork
– Presentation Skills
– Research
– Creativity
The initiative is designed to promote social mobility and help young people understand how science, technology, engineering and mathematics can shape the world around them.
CGI in the North East this year partnered with Benfield School, Kenton School and Walker Riverside Academy. Students addressed challenges from Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The Young Dreamers journey was delivered in three stages:
– Innovation days
Students formed teams and tackled real STEM challenges set by CGI’s government clients, with support from CGI volunteers who ran the innovation days at the schools.
– Mentoring
The chosen finalists received online coaching from CGI professionals to strengthen their ideas and develop both technical and soft skills.
– Final event
The chosen finalists presented their projects in a “Dragons’ Den”-style showcase at the high-profile venue of St James’ Park.
Marc Russell, Vice President Consulting Services, CGI UK & Australia, said:
“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.”
The Students reported a 17% increase in their understanding of STEM careers, with over half leaving with a clearer picture of their future.
