Catalyst successfully completes two-year inclusive innovation pilot programme, STRYVE, designed to support young people aged 16-25 years old to gain the skills, qualifications and experience needed to provide them with a pathway towards employment, particularly in innovative, future-focused industries.
In this pilot programme, Catalyst set out to provide 30 young people across Northern Ireland with training and access to work experience, empowering them to reach their full potential. By fostering ambition and offering direct pathways to employment with Catalyst partners, STRYVE worked to boost employability while contributing to the development of a more inclusive and innovative regional workforce.
This two-year pilot partnership has been led by a strategic reference group including the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, Department of Justice, Department for the Economy, Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Education Authority, International Fund for Ireland, Rural Action and multiple youth organisations across Belfast and the Northwest.
Across two cohorts, 30 participants completed comprehensive training and after the programme, seven participants moved on to further education, two completed vocational training courses which led to employment, four participants completed another Catalyst programme, Co-Founders, exploring the opportunity to start their own business and nine participants obtained employment.
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A recent NISRA survey on digital skills reveals that one in five people in Northern Ireland lack basic digital skills, a gap that is even more pronounced in areas of socio-economic deprivation. Meanwhile, digital skills are among the most in demand competencies in innovation-led industries, as highlighted in the Future Jobs report and shows the importance of programmes like STRYVE where the digital skills gap can begin to be bridged.
The STRYVE Theory of Change mapped outcomes across Employability, Employment Pathways, Self-Efficiency, Self-Direction and Network.
Throughout the programme, partner companies including AeroBlue, AVEVA, Catalyst, Innovate_ Consulting, Learning Me, North West Carnival Initiative, TakeTen, Thermofisher, WearMatter, Wild Ireland host work placements for up to 12 weeks at a time, a crucial part of the learning experience for young people.
In pre-programme surveys, 31 per cent of participants said they had considered entrepreneurship as a possible career path and after completing the innovation skills training, that number increased to 86 per cent.
Ally Armstrong, Programme Manager, Catalyst said: “Through the pilot programme delivery, we’ve seen the transformative impact of STRYVE on young people furthest from opportunity. This programme is about more than workplace readiness but rather wider commitment to inclusive innovation in Northern Ireland as well as ensuring that young people are not just participants but active shapers for their futures.
“We are grateful to our partner companies, who without this programme wouldn’t be possible. Looking ahead, STRYVE will focus on strengthening public sector engagement and expanding its reach to rural areas, aligning with broader goals of sustainable, inclusive growth and regional development. We are committed to ensuring that young people have a seat at the table, advocating for their needs and driving the conversation on inclusive innovation.”
International Fund for Ireland (IFI) Board Member, Avila Kilmurray said: “Working alongside young people to give them a voice, confidence and the ambition to unlock their potential is a key part of the IFI’s Personal Youth Development Programme.
“Catalyst is an ideal partner to deliver our youth focused programmes because of its collaborative and innovative nature. The STRYVE programme has given a wonderful platform for young people to begin their journey towards a better future and employment.
“We are delighted with what the project and young people have achieved in a short period of time and have extended funding for the project for another year to continue this important outreach work.”
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