NEXT COHORT
Milton Keynes
FORMAT
Three days, two cities
WHO IT'S FOR
A few years’ experience
COST
One delegate, included in membership
HOW TO BOOK
Via your Main Representative
WHO IT’S FOR
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.
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.
NOT QUITE RIGHT?
Looking for a longer programme with a peer network? Challenge of Major Projects runs across four months for senior leaders.
Look at Challenge of Major Projects
ALSO WORTH A LOOK
Want a shorter taste of major project decision-making? The Major Projects Simulator runs in a single day.
THE AIMS
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 · 2025 COHORT
“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!”
Alison Dablin
RISING STARS 2025 COHORT
“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.”
Alice Pickthall
RISING STARS 2025 COHORT
FORMAT
Two parts, delivered in person
The programme is delivered in-person over two parts, and delegates must attend both parts to complete the course.
PART 1 · TWO DAYS
Two days of immersive learning, including interactive sessions, workshops, and a networking dinner – an excellent opportunity to connect with peers and build professional relationshi
PART 2 · ONE DAY
Two days of immersive learning, including interactive sessions, workshops, and a networking dinner – an excellent opportunity to connect with peers and build professional relationshi
Sessions and workshops
Delegates will participate in presentations and interactive workshops covering topics such as:
- Judgement Index profiling and feedback
- Resilience and mindset
- Leadership styles
- Leading successful teams
- Major project case study challenges
- Action planning
- What makes major projects different?
DATES, COST AND NOMINATIONS
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.
PART 1 · COHORT 1
Milton Keynes
PART 1 · COHORT 1
Birmingham
PART 2 · COHORTS 1 & 2
London
Delegates must attend both parts to complete the course. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cost
FIRST DELEGATE
Attendance is included within your organisation’s membership fee.
ADDITIONAL DELEGATE
Offered after the nomination deadline, first come first served. Maximum two delegates across the two cohorts.
ACCOMMODATION
Overnight accommodation is covered by the Major Projects Association.
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
Nominate a Rising Star for 2026
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.
CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
Not sure which programme is right?
Six routes, ordered by career stage. Every one of them is open to people at member organisations.