GEMX launch MakeME 2025 programme at Derry's Waterfoot Hotel

PICTURED ABOVE: The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh pictured at the Waterfoot Hotel on Thursday morning for the launch of the GEMX MakeME 2025 launch. Included from left are Cieara Laidler, GEMX, Stephen Kelly, CEO, Manufacturing NI, Rosalind Young, DCSDC, Joanne Sweeney, Project Director and Gavin Killeen, MD of Nuprint and Lead Partner of GEMX. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

GEMX officially launched MakeME 2025, a new programme designed to connect 14 local schools with 14 local companies, expanding opportunities for young people across the region at the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry on Thursday morning last.

The initiative has received significant support from Derry City and Strabane District Council, the James Kane Foundation and the Royal Academy of Engineering, alongside the backing of local partners and sponsors.

Participating companies and schools have already completed on-boarding sessions, paving the way for collaboration in the year ahead.

Speaking at Thursday’s launch event, Joanne Sweeney, Project Director of GEMX, said ‘MakeME is built on a simple but powerful idea: a company adopts a school. This creates opportunities for pupils to broaden their horizons, gain real-world insights, and develop the confidence to make informed career choices. At the same time, companies connect with the next generation of talent, and schools strengthen their networks within industry.’

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, attended the launch to show his continued support, noting the programme’s vital role in building skills and aspirations across the community.

Addressing the attendance, he said: ‘I am delighted to attend the launch of this inspiring programme today that will equip our young people with the experience and skills they need to complement their education and prepare them for the world of employment.

‘For the companies too, it’s an opportunity to tap into the young talent that clearly exists in our City and District and strengthen their links with local education providers.

IN PICTURES: MakeME 2025 programme launch at Derry's Waterfoot Hotel

‘I also want to commend Joanne, GEMX and all the partners involved for their commitment to investing in the future of our community.’

Feedback from the pilot programme has been overwhelmingly positive, with pupils discovering new interests, parents celebrating their children’s growth in ambition and confidence, and companies recognising the long-term value of engaging with future talent.

Gavin Killeen, MD of Nuprint and Lead Partner of GEMX concluded ‘MakeME is about unlocking potential, raising aspirations, and creating opportunities. With the support of our partners, we are ready to deliver a lasting impact for young people, schools, and businesses in this region.’

Michael Wilson, Chair of The James Kane Foundation said ‘The James Kane Foundation is committed to advancing education, skills, and career opportunities, and is delighted to support this initiative.’

The James Kane Foundation has agreed to support 22 projects across Northern Ireland with funding, including this one, following an open grants programme earlier this year. This amounts to three-quarters of a million pounds in direct interventions.