Catalyst’s inclusive Stryve programme achieves a 77% progression rate for young people moving into work or education

Catalyst celebrates the successful completion of Stryve, a three-year pilot programme created to support young people aged 16-25 as they build the confidence, skills and real-world experience needed to move towards employment in innovative and future focused industries across Northern Ireland.

With recent NISRA data showing that one in five people in Northern Ireland lack basic digital skills and the gap is widest in areas experiencing socio economic disadvantage, Stryve was created to combat the persistent barriers faced by young people who are furthest from opportunity. Initially designed as a two-year programme, Stryve was then extended to include a third year due to its success and impact on participants.

Through a combination of practical training, accredited qualifications and meaningful access to employers, Stryve provided young people with the space to develop ambition and self-belief while gaining valuable real-world experience within Catalyst’s partner network.

Throughout the three-year programme, Stryve has engaged 172 young people across Northern Ireland, with a post-programme survey showing an increase to 66% of participants considering entrepreneurship as a potential career path, compared to only 40% pre-programme, demonstrating the Stryve’s impact on confidence ambition and future aspiration.

Within the core six-month employability programme, Catalyst reports that 75% of participants completed three OCN qualifications, 77% progressed into employment, further education, or training and four participants progressed to become finalists in Catalyst’s Co-Founders programme.

Operating as a regionally inclusive programme, 118 young people received innovation and entrepreneurship workshops, reaching participants across Belfast, North West, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Omagh and Cookstown.

The programme was delivered through a unique partnership supported by the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Department of Justice, Department for the Economy, Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Education Authority, the International Fund for Ireland and Rural Action, along with a wide network of youth organisations in Belfast and the North West.

Judith Camblin, Programme Manager, Catalyst said: “The completion of Stryve is a proud and meaningful moment for Catalyst and for every young person who took part. It reflects the dedication of the participants, the enthusiasm of partner companies and the support of everyone who helped bring this programme to life. Together we have shown how inclusive and imaginative initiatives can raise aspirations, open doors to new skills and strengthen long term economic participation.

“Catalyst remains deeply committed to creating opportunities that empower young people to discover their potential and play a full part in building a more innovative inclusive and prosperous Northern Ireland.”

Jasmine Graham, participant on the Stryve programme said: “My experience of Stryve has been incredibly inspiring and boosted my confidence, it’s given me invaluable opportunities, connections in an industry I want to work in, and the push I needed to pursue my passion and grow my future career.”

Katy Hayward, International Fund for Ireland Board member said: “For almost forty years, the International Fund for Ireland has supported projects tailored to meet the needs of local communities and the people living in them. The Stryve project, run by Catalyst as part of the IFI’s Personal Youth Development Programme, is a great example of this. Through Stryve, young people have been equipped with new skills, training and confidence. This will help open opportunities that would otherwise have remained closed to them. IFI is proud to support nurturing the potential of future generations to make a difference against the odds.”

Participants were also exposed to high quality work placements by partner organisations including AeroBlue, AVEVA, Catalyst, Innovate Consulting, Learning Me, North West Carnival Initiative, Plotbox, TakeTen, Thermo Fisher, WearMatter, Wild Ireland, DisplayNote, Horrible Brands, Naissance Marketing, Axial 3D, Bank of Ireland, ARC Fitness and Fast Technologies.