Young people in West Cumbria have this year seized the opportunity to present their solutions to real-life issues and projects and influence the development of multi-million £ new facilities for local communities through ProjX sponsored by Sellafield.
Now the Centre for Leadership Performance which delivers the programme is seeking new funding partners to continue the vital work developing the talents and leadership skills of Cumbrian teenagers to provide the confidence to seize career opportunities.
To sustain and expand the impact of ProjX across the whole of the county, more organisations are needed to help fund the programme which runs from March to July each year, while more professionals are required to volunteer a few hours of their time to guide and mentor students.
During 2025 almost 80 young people have worked with experts from local businesses and organisations to create strategies and action plans, and deliver exciting outcomes on a range of different projects through innovative and inclusive activities.
Netherhall School Year 12 students designed an events calendar for Maryport’s new harbourside events space and the soon-to-be refurbished Carlton Building.Competing teams proposed events including a coastal-themed Maryport “Fishtival, a Youth Arts & Music Showcase , a Pirate’s Day Out family event and a revamped Blues Festival.
Keswick School students worked with Theatre by the Lake to design a creative project connecting the theatre with local groups facing financial and mental health challenges. The proposed solutions detailed how it would build community, support wellbeing, and provide a public creative showcase while aligning with the theatre’s mission and values.
Students from Energy Coast UTC and West Coast Sixth Form took up the challenge to create a marketing brochure promoting the Workington Innovation Centre due to open in 2026. Their range of ideas for events to support local entrepreneurship and community engagement and reflect the town’s character and aspirations spanned brand and marketing strategy, brochure designs and budget plans.
Cockermouth School Year 12 students worked with Cockermouth & District Civic Trust to design a series of nature-friendly upstream interventions in the catchment areas of the River Cocker and River Derwent to mitigate flood risk in Cockermouth. Solutions prioritised sustainability, biodiversity, and community involvement, balancing flood management with environmental and social benefits.
Students developed key leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, and gained valuable experience in teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. They said ProjX helped them feel more prepared for life after school and gain a better understanding of careers in design, business, and marketing:
‘I really enjoyed utilising my independence to create something unique’
‘It helped me understand how the working world works’
‘I loved meeting all the different industry experts and hearing about their jobs’
‘I learned to develop my flexibility skills whilst working in a group and also working under time pressure.’
Businesses providing support for ProjX included: KBR, Sellafield Ltd, UK National Nuclear Laboratory, the Harrison Network, Natterjack Marketing, Maryport Horizons CIC, Business Toolbox Cumbria, Maryport Town Council, Mott MacDonald Morgan Sindall Construction, Lakes College, Core Nuclear, the Centre for Leadership Performance, Cumberland Council and The Shipping Brow Gallery.
CforLP Executive Director Sarah Glass explains: “A vital part of developing the leadership and workplace skills and career aspirations of young people is giving them the opportunity to express their ideas and develop leadership capabilities, giving them a voice and listening to their opinions.
“Feedback from companies emphasised the feelgood factors of ‘giving something back’ and ‘supporting a future workforce’. Giving young people these opportunities is vital for Cumbria’s future as a successful and vibrant community, and investment of funding and time spent now will pay huge dividends for those companies taking part.”
If you’d like to support the next generation of leaders, problem-solvers and innovative thinkers through ProjX, or want professional support and guidance for work experience or youth engagement within your own business or organisation please email nicola.woolley@cforlp.org.uk
