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04/07/2023
Over 650 People Take Part In Catalyst's Work Experience Programme
Over 650 young people across Northern Ireland have taken part in Catalyst's innovative work experience programme, Generation Innovation, gaining exposure to some of the region's most innovative employers.
Generation Innovation is a unique, future-focused work experience programme for 17-18-year-olds designed to empower, enable, and upskill them for the workplace of tomorrow and set them up to thrive as new leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Through Generation Innovation, young people gain real-world working experience with some of the best known and most exciting companies in Northern Ireland, which this year included the likes of FinTrU, Automated Intelligence, Citi, and Artemis Technologies.
The programme saw over 650 young people take part across Belfast, Derry-Londonderry and Dungannon, the highest number of participants since Generation Innovation was established in 2018.
Over the course of four-day or five-day programmes, young people had to work together to solve a real-life company challenge, develop a solution and pitch the idea to the partner company and their peers.
Some innovative ideas from this year include a new helmet product line using Vikela Armour’s defense systems body armour material, an app to enhance staff wellbeing and community in a hybrid working environment, and a close contact sustainability rewards system to reduce lab waste.
Judith Camblin, Generation Innovation Programme Manager at Catalyst, said: "Since the beginning of Generation Innovation five years ago, we have never had so many young people eager to take part in this unique programme. The standard of applicants was extremely high this year and the ideas generated showed real innovation and creativity.
'The teams across all locations were keen to learn new skills, work together and create solutions to real-life problems which was thrilling to see. The feedback we have received so far has been very positive with new friends and connections made, while also learning valuable skills for the future."
Generation Innovation is a unique, future-focused work experience programme for 17-18-year-olds designed to empower, enable, and upskill them for the workplace of tomorrow and set them up to thrive as new leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Through Generation Innovation, young people gain real-world working experience with some of the best known and most exciting companies in Northern Ireland, which this year included the likes of FinTrU, Automated Intelligence, Citi, and Artemis Technologies.
The programme saw over 650 young people take part across Belfast, Derry-Londonderry and Dungannon, the highest number of participants since Generation Innovation was established in 2018.
Over the course of four-day or five-day programmes, young people had to work together to solve a real-life company challenge, develop a solution and pitch the idea to the partner company and their peers.
Some innovative ideas from this year include a new helmet product line using Vikela Armour’s defense systems body armour material, an app to enhance staff wellbeing and community in a hybrid working environment, and a close contact sustainability rewards system to reduce lab waste.
Judith Camblin, Generation Innovation Programme Manager at Catalyst, said: "Since the beginning of Generation Innovation five years ago, we have never had so many young people eager to take part in this unique programme. The standard of applicants was extremely high this year and the ideas generated showed real innovation and creativity.
'The teams across all locations were keen to learn new skills, work together and create solutions to real-life problems which was thrilling to see. The feedback we have received so far has been very positive with new friends and connections made, while also learning valuable skills for the future."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
