Stryve is a one-of-a-kind programme designed to inspire, up-skill, and prepare you for the jobs of the future. Through Stryve, you’ll gain leadership and creative media qualifications, receive training in creative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking, and experience real work environments with tailored work experience at our partner companies.
Let us help you take your place, develop your skills, grow your network, and build your confidence!
Stryve is for young people (16-25) who found that traditional education or career pathways weren’t the right fit and are looking for a new way forward. It’s a chance to gain real-world skills, build confidence, and explore new opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship.
This programme is open to young people who are not currently in employment, education or training.
Stryve runs from June – December 2025.
We will have two cohorts: Belfast and Derry~Londonderry.
Innovation Skills and Entrepreneurship Training – Learn how to think like an innovator and solve real-world problems creatively. Then, apply those skills to your own business ideas.
Gain Recognised Qualifications – Earn OCN Level 2 qualifications in Creative and Digital Media, Leadership, and Internet Safety, all delivered in partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation.
Real Work Experience – Put your new skills into action with tailored work experience in an innovation-driven business.
Stryve isn’t just about qualifications – it’s about your future. Whether you aspire to be an entrepreneur, innovator, or leader – or are still figuring out your next step – Stryve equips you with the skills, experiences and confidence to explore your potential, stand out and succeed.
Complete our application form below. Once we receive your application, our team will reach out with more details.
Programme Manager - Youth and Ambition
Judith is the programme manager for Youth and Ambition within Catalyst. She designs and delivers the Generation Innovation programme and our Inclusive Innovation Programme. Through these programmes Judith gets to inspire, equip and encourage young people across NI to gain the skills they need that will set them up for a successful future.
Judith has worked with young people in a variety of settings over the past 12 years and her passion is seeing young people thrive, grow in confidence and supporting them to make their best next step in life!
Project Lead - 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.
Programme Coordinator – Stryve
Programme Coordinator – Stryve
Emma is the Programme Administrator in the Stryve 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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