On 27 February, GEMX delivered the initial session of the LEAD Me Programme, marking an important step in strengthening leadership capability across the manufacturing and engineering sector in the North West. LEAD Me is a five-day leadership development programme co-designed by GEMX and Ulster University Business School, created specifically to respond to the needs, challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
The programme has been developed to elevate and support manufacturing and engineering organisations by building human capital, encouraging sustainable growth and fostering a culture of collaboration. LEAD Me is firmly rooted in the realities of the sector, ensuring that learning is practical, relevant and immediately applicable within the workplace. Participants engage in action learning, gain practical insights from experienced industry leaders, take part in company visits and benefit from industry-led talks that reflect current and emerging challenges across the sector.
LEAD Me is designed for professionals who are committed to growth and continuous improvement within their organisations. It supports those seeking to strengthen leadership capability, retain and recruit highly skilled talent, learn through collaboration with peers and contribute to raising the profile and impact of the manufacturing and engineering sector both regionally and beyond. By bringing together professionals from across the ecosystem, the programme also creates valuable opportunities for networking, shared learning and cross-sector collaboration.
Course delivery takes place over five in-person days, supported by additional self-learning. Teaching is delivered at the Ulster University Derry/Londonderry campus as well as at selected host companies, providing participants with exposure to real-world operational environments and best practice. Participants may be required to arrange their own travel to delivery venues.
Assessment for the LEAD Me Programme is entirely coursework-based, ensuring that learning delivers tangible business value. Each participant completes an individual work-based project aligned to their organisation’s priorities, with clear and measurable outcomes. Throughout the programme, participants apply the tools, ideas and support provided to develop realistic and implementable solutions that deliver meaningful benefits back to their business.
The launch of the LEAD Me Programme reflects GEMX’s ongoing commitment to supporting leadership development, strengthening competitiveness and enabling long-term success across the manufacturing and engineering sector. As the programme progresses, participants will be equipped to drive positive change within their organisations while contributing to the continued growth and resilience of the wider regional industry.
