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.
Young people aged 16-25
23 spaces available
Cohort 2 will take place from February – November 2024
We will have two groups: One based in Derry~Londonderry and one based in Belfast
The programme will take place in 3 phases from February – November 2024:
Innovation Skills and Entrepreneurship training
OCN Qualifications delivered in partnership with Rio Ferdinand Foundation
• OCN Level 2 qualifications in Creative & Digital Media, Leadership & Internet Safety
Work Placement
• Work Placement in an innovation driven business (2 days per week paid placement at National Living Wage for 12 weeks)
16th January
Derry~Londonderry group: 13th February
Belfast group: 14th February
Director of Strategic Business Development
Adrian Johnston joined Catalyst in January 2022 as Director of Strategic Business Development. Prior to this he was Head of Digital Catapult NI supporting businesses and the public sector to adopt emerging digital technologies. He also has 20 years technology leadership experience having previously worked for Seagate Technology in their Springtown facility heading the Data Science and Analytics team.
Adrian holds a PhD in Informatics / AI and is a member of the Open Data Institute. He leads the Open Innovation Team at Catalyst which stimulates research collaborations and provides companies with the support, expertise and community to innovate.
In 2019 Adrian was awarded the Ulster University Graduate of the year and received an MBE for services to peace-building and the community in NI. Adrian is passionate about Inclusive Innovation and is the current Chair of the Community Foundation for NI.
Programme Manager – Youth and Ambition
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.
Project Administrator - Open Innovation
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.
Catalyst - © 2024
