From March to July 2024, the Centre for Leadership Performance (CforLP) supported Cumbrian secondary schools through the ProjX programme, engaging 78 students from 8 different schools. ProjX offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse career paths and develop essential leadership skills.
Co-created with local businesses, ProjX enables young people to access a unique work awareness model, working with local companies, professionals, and industry experts during an interactive week of sessions.
Currently the programme is funded for schools in West Cumbria through Sellafield Ltd’s social impact programme, SiX, which prioritises projects co-created with the community and stakeholders while recognising that more can be achieved in partnership, and that impact can be multiplied through collaboration.
Stuart McCourt, Social Impact Manager for Sellafield Ltd, explains:
“ProjX is all about broadening horizons and encouraging young people to think big when it comes to their personal development, goals and aspirations. It can provide a pathway to attaining skills and employability development and refresh their vision of what the future may hold.”
Explored local attractions including The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter Forest, Muncaster Castle and Honister Slate Mine and brainstormed ideas for new tourist spots.
Supported by volunteers from: Cottage in the Wood, Forestry England, Muncaster Castle and Honister Slate Mine.
Feedback: “It was a totally awesome week!” “We found out so much about different jobs!” “I liked meeting people and listening to them talk about the skills needed to do their job!”
Focused on ‘The Iron Line’ project, a task set by Millom Town Council and Cumberland Council, exploring ideas to celebrate the town’s rich history and enhance the heritage route from the town to the sea wall and Lighthouse.
Supported by volunteers from: Cumberland Council, National Nuclear Laboratory, KBR, Armstrong Watson, and Business Toolbox Cumbria.
Feedback: “It helped everyone realize their strengths.” “I really enjoyed it.”
Worked on The Whittles Development in Whitehaven as their project brief set by BEC
Supported by volunteers from: Tetra Tech, National Nuclear Laboratory, Armstrong Watson, Harrison Network, Cumberland Council, Business Toolbox Cumbria, William King Construction and KBR.
Feedback: “I realised that I have a lot of skills including communication, leadership, and organization.” “I built confidence and social/communication skills.”
Focused on designing the event space at Maryport Harbour with support from Cumberland Council and Maryport Town Council
Supported by volunteers from: Tetra Tech, William Hare, National Nuclear Laboratory, Harrison Network, Armstrong Watson, Buttress and Natterjack Marketing
Feedback: “It allowed me to gain new skills and experiences.” “We got the opportunity to share our own ideas.” “Many people informed us of different job roles.”
Focused on creating a campaign for the 25-year celebration with support from Theatre by the Lake.
Supported by volunteers from: Theatre by the Lake and National Nuclear Laboratory
Feedback: “I feel like I have more of an idea of what I want to do when I grow up”, “We got valuable advice from many professionals”, “It was interactive and helped with various skills”, “I believe that I have been improving my listening and speaking skills”
Focused on a place-based branding campaign for Maryport with support from Cumberland Council
Supported by volunteers from: Natterjack Marketing, Armstrong Watson, Tetra Tech, National Nuclear Laboratory, Harrison Network, Maryport Town Council, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and KBR
Feedback: “I learnt how to work with other people” “It was interesting to see what it was like being in an actual business meeting.” “The meetings were informative and helped me to understand work better.”
Focused on the future use of the Old Courthouse Building in Cockermouth with support from Cockermouth Town Council
Supported by volunteers from: Tetra Tech, WK Design Architects, Geo Environmental Engineering, National Nuclear Laboratory, Armstrong Watson, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick and Cumberland Council
Feedback: “I really enjoyed presenting and the business meeting” “I was able to improve my levels of confidence due to presenting” “I enjoyed meeting all the people from different job sectors and telling us about what they did as a career”
To sustain and expand the impact of the ProjX programme, we invite other organisations to join us in funding additional weeks. By investing in ProjX, you can help more students gain valuable work experience and develop essential skills for their futures. Additionally, we encourage companies to partner with the Centre for Leadership Performance to manage their work experience programmes, ensuring a structured, impactful, and engaging experience for young people.
For partnership opportunities and funding enquiries, please contact nicola.woolley@cforlp.org.uk
