Next Gen Skills Academy unveils first games courses

The Next Gen Skills academy has unveiled its first course for aspiring developers.

The Level 3 Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX skills will begin this September at colleges across England, including North Easy Surrey College of Technology, Sunderland College, Truro & Penwith College and Uxbridge College.

The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels. Students on the two-year course will get access to industry mentors and industry–designed live briefs.

Next Gen Skills Academy is also supporting the creation of higher apprenticeships, which includes a quality assurance technician, led by Rebellion. A further role of community coordinator, led by Ubisoft Reflections, has been proposed for future development.

VFX apprenticeships meanwhile include a junior 2D artist with Double Negative and assistant technical director with Framestore.

“Next Gen’s aim is to be a leading developer of relevant, up to date qualifications and apprenticeships that will allow young people to develop exciting careers in the digital creative industries, while also providing employers with a dynamic talent pool of skilled individuals that will enable them to grow successful businesses,” said Next Gen Skills Academy MD Gina Jackson.

“This is all about preparing students for the roles that employers are recruiting today and it’s very exciting to see the first round of our hard work come to fruition with the launch of the Games, Animation and VFX Skills Diploma and our three higher apprenticeships.”

You can find further information at the Next Gen Skills Academy website.