GEMX recently delivered its largest industry engagement event to date with the 2026 GEMX Interactive Roadshow, bringing together leading employers and schools from across the North West. Held at St Mary’s College, the event welcomed almost 600 pupils who had the opportunity to explore career pathways in engineering, manufacturing, technology, and innovation. The roadshow featured 24 participating organisations from across the region, including Seating Matters, XR Hub, NWRC Business Support Centre, Terex, DuPont, DuPont Kevlar, NuPrint Technologies, Fleming Engineering, Fleming Agri, FAST Technologies, Hunter Apparel Solutions, GE Spares, Fasthouse, Welditz, Vertiv, Niche Drinks, Seagate Technology, North West Regional College, The Big Bridge, Foyle Port, 21 Training, CAFRE, Foyle Robo Club and AE Global. Each organisation showcased the wide variety of career opportunities available locally, demonstrating how innovation and advanced manufacturing continue to shape the region’s economy.
The event brought together students from schools across Derry, Donegal, and the wider North West region, including Lisneal College, St Brigid’s College, Lumen Christi College, St Columb’s College, Oakgrove Integrated College, St Mary’s College, St Joseph’s Boys’ School, St Patrick’s College, St Brigid’s College, The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, EOTAS, Foyle College and Carndonagh Community School. Pupils engaged directly with employers and training providers through interactive displays, demonstrations and conversations about future skills and opportunities. The roadshow also aligned with the wider Lifelong Learning Festival, which celebrates the region’s ambition to be recognised as a Learning City Region, further reinforcing the importance of education, collaboration and lifelong skills development across the northwest.
Feedback from both schools and participating organisations has already been extremely positive, highlighting the enthusiasm and energy that exhibitors brought to the day. GEMX extends its thanks to all partners, as well as to the staff of St Mary’s College for hosting the event and to Derry City and Strabane District Council for their support. We were also delighted to welcome representatives from the Royal Academy of Engineering, further highlighting the significance of the event within the wider engineering and education landscape. With almost 600 pupils attending, this year’s roadshow marks a major milestone for GEMX as it continues to connect young people with the innovative companies and career pathways that exist within the North West’s thriving advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.
