Work Experience Programme.
The Generation Innovation Work Experience Programme?
What is
Generation Innovation is a one-of-a-kind work experience programme designed to empower, enable, and upskill young people for the workplace of tomorrow. With its foundations grounded in the principles of Design Thinking, Generation Innovation is a programme that gives young people a real-world working experience with some of the most innovative companies making a dent in the universe.
This programme is for all 17-18-year-olds interested in accelerating their career development, gaining awareness of the skills needed for tomorrow’s world, and building an innovation mindset through Design Thinking training.
During the programme, students will be paired with innovative employers, such as Coca-Cola, FinTru or EY, and will learn how to work as part of a new team. Their skills will be put to the test to solve a real-life company challenge, developing a solution before pitching it to the partner company and fellow peers.
Anyone aged 17-18
Who is it for?
How much will it cost?
Nothing! It’s free to attend!
Tuesday 13th February
When can I apply?
Tuesday 19th March
When is the last day to apply?
Have another question?
Applications are now closed for this year’s Generation Innovation Work Experience Programme.
Dates & Locations
The 2024 programme will involve
700 students this June for 3 in-person events.
Option 1:
11th – 14th June | Derry-Londonderry, Millennium Forum
Option 2:
17th – 21st June | Belfast, Catalyst, Queen’s Road
Option 3:
24th – 27th June | Dungannon, The Junction
Apply to only one location.
Daily Schedule*
09:30 – 12:00
Morning Session
14:00 – 16:00
Networking, expos & lunch break
14:00 – 17:00
Facilitated team work
*subject to change. Lunch and snacks provided daily.
Agenda*
Overview of the week, introductions, team-building tasks, introduction to Design Thinking.
Company details and challenge statements.
Day one:
Day two:
Expert Interviews, make a challenge map and define the problem.
Day three:
Ideation – concept sketching, create and initial prototype.
Day four:
Prototype and testing.
Feedback, visit to company offices, presentations to company teams and celebrations.
Day five:
The 4-day programmes will contain all the same core elements of the 5-day programme.
*Applicable to the 5-day programme.
Benefits of attending:
Hosted in-person
Receive free limited edition apparel merchandise and win extra prizes
Free to attend
Access to the Generation Innovation Alumni network
Learn in a fun, energetic, and highly engaging way that'll inspire and empower you for the future
Accelerate your development by learning about exciting future career prospects
Work with some of Northern Ireland’s most exciting and innovative companies
Receive training from expert facilitators
Have fun and meet other young people!
Why apply?
Develop new skills:
Communication
Teambuilding
Build emotional resilience
Problem-solving
Creativity
Presentation and pitching
User-centred design
Design-led thinking
The Department for the Economy is the principal
funder of the 2024 Work Experience programme
What happens once I apply?
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Complete the Application! BOOM - easy as that!
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You will receive a confirmation email that we have received your application (check your junk mail and if you can’t find anything reach out to us at: giworkexperience@wearecatalyst.org)
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After applications close on Tuesday 19th March we will email you shortly after to let you know if your application has been successful – this is a first come first serve application process – once our 700 spaces fill up you will be added to a waiting list and if anyone drops out we will notify you.
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If you’re successful, the fun begins now! We will begin to assign you into your teams and pair your team up with a partner company. Keep an eye out on our socials generationinnovation_ni as we release our company partners for 2024!
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Parent/Guardian Consent form needs to be completed and returned
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We will issue your school/FE college with a letter to release you for your chosen work experience programme
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Parents/Guardian Evening – A 1 hour Virtual Event that a parent/guardian must attend
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You will be notified of your team’s partner company and any other info you need to know ahead of attending the programme.
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Come along and have the best week of your life!
