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An inclusive innovation programme creating new pathways to employment for young people

Dare to be a STRYVER?

STRYVE is a unique programme that will inspire, up-skill and prepare you for the jobs of the future. We help you gain leadership and creative media qualifications, receive training in creative problem solving, design thinking and entrepreneurship, alongside providing tailored work experience with a path to employment.

Let us help you take your place, set yourself apart, develop your skills, grow your confidence, build your network and take control of your future!

Our current cohort is full. If you’re interested in joining our next cohort, please register using the provided link below.

Who is it for?

Young people aged 16-25

How many places do we have?

23 spaces available

When will it happen?

Cohort 2 will take place from February – November 2024

We will have two groups: One based in Derry~Londonderry and one based in Belfast

What does it involve?

The programme will take place in 3 phases from February – November 2024:

  • Phase 1

    Innovation Skills and Entrepreneurship training

  • Phase 2

    OCN Qualifications delivered in partnership with Rio Ferdinand Foundation

    • OCN Level 2 qualifications in Creative & Digital Media, Leadership & Internet Safety

  • Phase 3

    Work Placement

    • Work Placement in an innovation driven business (2 days per week paid placement at National Living Wage for 12 weeks)

Key Dates for Cohort 2

Applications open:

16th January

Information Sessions:

Derry~Londonderry group: 13th February

Belfast group: 14th February

Dare to be a STRYVER?

Cohort 1 Company Placement Partners

The team behind STRYVE

Ally Armstrong

Ally Armstrong

Programme Manager – Youth and Ambition

Mark Miskimmin

Mark Miskimmin

Project Coordinator - STRYVE

Mark is the Project Coordinator supporting the STRYVE team. He supports the team in all of... read more
Mark Miskimmin

Mark Miskimmin

Project Coordinator - STRYVE

Mark is the Project Coordinator supporting the STRYVE team. He supports the team in all of its events, mainly in its programme delivery in Innovation and Design Thinking sessions, OCNs, and the workplace. Alongside this, Mark would mentor the young people within the project.

He also a member of Catalyst’s Inclusive Innovation team supporting young people, youth workers and events.

Mark has over 12 years of working with young people. He has a degree in Youth Work and Practical Theology. Mark loves working alongside young people and seeing them being released into their true potential.

Emma Carson

Emma Carson

Project Administrator - Open Innovation

Emma is the Project Administrator in the Open Innovation team at Catalyst. Currently Emma ... read more
Emma Carson

Emma Carson

Project Administrator - Open Innovation

Emma is the Project Administrator in the Open Innovation team at Catalyst.

Currently Emma is working on the Inclusive Innovation Skills Programme designed to help young people develop life skills to fulfil their potential.

Emma studied at St Mary’s University College Belfast where she earned a BA degree in Business Studies. She is passionate about inspiring young people to fulfil their potential and has various certificates on mental health and wellbeing in young people including a life coaching and mindfulness Diploma.

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