Catalyst: Connect, Collaborate, Create

My colleague Kaja and I had the privilege to be a part of the first ever Catalyst, a 10-week programme by Innovators Hub in Liverpool. Catalyst is a free, voluntarily run programme for creative individuals aged 18 to 30 who are looking to get their feet in the digital industry door, or those already in the sector but looking to brush up their skills and network with like-minded people.

The Catalyst took place over 10 weeks, one day a week in the Tempest building in Liverpool. The space was provided for the Innovator’s Hub to use free of charge for the duration of the programme. Local companies, arts and cultural organisations, and young people were brought together by Innovator’s Hub founder Robyn Dooley and Angel Solutions CEO and founder Andy Kent, who are passionate about solving the digital industry problem: the skills gap.

Throughout the 10 weeks we were mentored, challenged and even shared intriguing industry secrets first-hand by the creative experts from digital companies based in Liverpool and even got to visit the offices of some of these great, innovative businesses. To actually get private tours of the leading digital companies was genuinely an extraordinary experience you often do not get an opportunity to do.

After 9 weeks we were equipped with the tools and the knowledge to innovate a product concept of our own. The course gathered at Angel Solutions’ (award winning) offices to brainstorm ideas in small groups, consisting of people with similar interests to solve a certain problem. Week 10 we got to pitch our ideas to We Are Nova, a Liverpool-based digital product agency. To end the day and the programme in a high note, everyone involved were invited to a graduation party to celebrate the successful completion of the first ever Catalyst.

I myself am happily employed, but it was always jubilant to hear updates each week how Catalyst helped my course mates to score an interview for a position, an internship or even global publicity with their photography. Hopefully, in the future iterations of the Catalyst I can be there, sharing my expertise with young creative folks who wish to work in the industry we all share the love for.

To find out more or to sign up for the next Catalyst Programme visit Innovator’s Hub’s website here: http://innovatorshub.co/academy/.