Generation Next: Shaping the future of our manufacturing talent
At Midland Lead, we’ve always placed our people at the heart of everything we do. So we’re really happy to be shortlisted for the Developing Future Talent category at the MAKE UK Manufacturing Awards 2025! This milestone is recognition of our team’s commitment to growth and learning, and building our sustainable future together.
Back in 2015, we set out a long-term vision to be an “employer of choice” – an important, but ambitious goal for a 40 year old manufacturer in a traditional industry! We knew that thriving in the future would require more than skilled operators. We needed confident, creative and engaged employees ready to make a difference for Team Midland Lead.
Firstly, we invested in a new pay and progression structure, enabling our team to see how they could develop and progress with increased skills. Then, fast forward to 2023, and Generation Next programme was born. Inspired by the East Midlands Chamber’s Young Professionals initiative, we designed our own in-house model to nurture talent, build confidence, and help our people see themselves not just as employees, but as valued and empowered members of Team Midland Lead.
Initially Generation Next was trialled with a small group of 6 handpicked employees. Although overall it was well received, we experienced some challenges – engagement was mixed and the programme relied on one champion. Some participants struggled with IT access. Others found it difficult to balance learning with the demands of operations. Emotional resistance to learning was also a barrier, with some of the team lacking confidence or simply finding classroom-style teaching intimidating.
So, with the help of external coach Vicky Blissett from Pro Populus Coaching, we evolved our approach. Workshops became shorter and focused on solving everyday problems, nominated by the team. Flipcharts replaced textbooks, and hands-on projects made learning practical. Workshops were redesigned so all work takes place in the workshop itself, helping the team to stay operational. Now it’s an inclusive training model where employees self-nominate based on interest and topic relevance – and the programme continues to gain both popularity and momentum.
What’s made us most proud at Midland Lead is watching our people grow in confidence and voice. The Generation Next projects have addressed real workplace issues, including:
- Project Tidy – boosting safety and efficiency through simple workplace improvements.
- Project Buddy – pairing new starters with peer mentors to improve the onboarding experience.
- Project Communications – tackling cross-departmental communication challenges.
- Project First Time Right – sharpening production processes and reducing complaints.
Each project followed a hands-on, workshop-led format. Participants worked together to co-design solutions, made visual tools (posters/signs), and presented their work to their wider teams. These practical activities subtly developed human skills such as communication and leadership, without the pressure of traditional learning formats.
Vicky Blissett comments: “Our initial vision for Generation Next was to grow the talent pool at Midland Lead. I am delighted that over time the programme has evolved to deliver much more in terms of individual growth, team communication and confidence. Generation Next has empowered our people to grow and develop by contributing to real business challenges and outcomes. It has been great to see Midland Lead team members rise to the challenge of development and achieve so much for themselves and the company, helping to future-proof the business for the next generation.”
We’ve noticed a real improvement in the team’s commitment to their own development. Before Generation Next we had 1-2 employees who would engage in discussions about their career. Now we have widespread participation. Our on-boarding experience in Operations has also dramatically improved thanks to the buddy system. People who once kept their heads down are now stepping up to lead projects, mentor colleagues, and map out their career ambitions – something that felt out of reach just a few years ago.
And perhaps most importantly, we’ve seen a real cultural shift. The old “just get the job done” mindset is being replaced with a growth mindset, where people see the bigger picture, contribute ideas, and believe they can make a meaningful impact. This change hasn’t happened overnight. It’s been nurtured through trust, coaching by Vicky, and a belief that every single member of our team has something valuable to bring. Shelley Lakin has recently been promoted to Sales Office Team Leader, and reflects on her experience of Generation Next: “Being Part of Generation Next has been very helpful to me. The way the team come together to discuss their ideas is fantastic, and no idea is ignored. Already, positive changes have been put in place which will make a huge impact on our operations.”
Charlotte Summers is both a champion and beneficiary of Generation Next, seeing her own career at Midland Lead flourish since she joined as Purchasing Co-ordinator in 2018. Now she’s Operations Excellence Manager, and comments on the impact that Generation Next has had on her career: “Personally, the programme has had a huge impact on me. It has been instrumental in my development and is a key reason why I’m now managing Operations. I’ve learned so much through each session, and I always come away feeling inspired and motivated.”
We’re immensely proud of our team and grateful to Vicky for helping us unlock this potential. Together, we’ve built a culture where developing future talent isn’t just a side project – it’s a real part of who we are. And whatever happens at the MAKE UK Awards evening on 4th November, we’re happy with the outcome – that our future at Midland Lead is in safe, capable and ambitious hands.
