Rising Stars is a popular development course designed for professionals in the early stages of their career who are ready to progress to managing major projects. Across two immersive parts, delegates will explore leadership styles, communication techniques, resilience, and the mindset needed to successfully deliver major projects. The programme also includes discussions, case studies, guest presentations, personal reflection, and valuable networking opportunities.
Who is the programme for?
This course is aimed at individuals identified as ‘Rising Stars’ within their organisation. Rising Stars are typically professionals with a few years’ experience in project initiation or delivery, who are ready to step up to the level of managing major projects. Member organisations are invited to nominate one Rising Star to take part.
The aims of the programme
The Rising Stars programme is designed to:
- Develop understanding of the key challenges and opportunities in major project leadership through discussion, reflection, and case studies.
- Broaden perspectives on leadership and delivery by exploring approaches used across organisations in the major projects community.
- Strengthen personal resilience with practical frameworks for managing pressures in complex project environments.
- Build a strong cross-organisational network of emerging leaders within the major projects sector.
- Encourage reflection on personal leadership development and the participant’s role in delivering successful major projects.
Testimonials
“Absolute pleasure and honour to have been a part of this. A fantastic programme and one that understands how easy it is to feel lost, stressed and isolated between the pressures of major projects and rapid career development – and then gives you the tools, insight and network to meaningfully address these issues. I have gained a better understanding of myself, my values, and how to more effectively deal with the many transitions my career is and will undergo, and I’m looking forward to applying all I’ve learnt!”
“The Rising Stars programme was a great opportunity to meet and learn from my peer group in UK major projects, and to profit from the expertise of specialists in the sector. Sincere thanks to everyone involved in organising the programme, which spanned three days and two cities; I really appreciate the learnings and the networks you have built for us.”
Format
The programme is delivered in-person over two parts, and delegates must attend both parts to complete the course.
- Part 1: Two days of immersive learning, including interactive sessions, workshops, and a networking dinner – an excellent opportunity to connect with peers and build professional relationships.
- Part 2: Builds on learning from Part 1, with continued development and practical applications of leadership and project management skills.
Sessions and workshops
Delegates will participate in presentations and interactive workshops covering topics such as:
- Judgement Index profiling and feedback
- Leadership styles
- Major project case study challenges
- What makes major projects different?
- Resilience and mindset
- Leading successful teams
- Action planning
Rising Stars 2026
Bookings for Rising Stars 2026 are now OPEN! Member organisations will be invited to nominate one Rising Star from within their organisation. Nominations must come from, or have been agreed by, the organisation’s Main Representative. There are no selection criteria.
Dates
PART 1
Cohort 1: 3rd – 4th November 2026, Milton Keynes
Cohort 2: 24th – 25th November 2026, Birmingham
PART 2
Cohorts 1 & 2: 2nd March 2027, London
Delegates must attend both parts to complete the course. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost
There is no charge for one delegate as attendance is included within your organisation’s membership fee. Overnight accommodation is also included and will be covered by the Major Projects Association. Any places remaining after the nomination deadline will be offered to members at a cost of £900 + VAT per additional delegate, on a first come first served basis. Each member organisation may nominate a maximum of two delegates across the two cohorts.
PLEASE NOTE: Places can only be confirmed once your organisation’s membership renewal has been settled. Membership fees must be settled prior to October 2026.
Questions and further information
If you are interested in in nominating someone or have questions, please contact Ashleigh Walsh via mpa@majorprojects.org.
Read our sharable brochure to find out more about Rising Stars.