.@WarwickshireCol lege Group ups its game with new NextGen Skills Academy partnership

Warwickshire College Group (WCG) have just announced a working partnership with NextGen Skills Academy that will see Leamington College build upon its existing reputation for excellence in the delivery of its Games Art diploma within the region.

WCG has offered courses in games development since 2005, and has placed many students in industry jobs around the UK.

Launching this September, the NextGen Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills is equivalent to three A Levels and is a vocational course, providing the skills and experience young people need to start a career in the games, animation or VFX industry, or to progress on to degree level courses, either at the College or at another University.

Students will be equipped with the skills to develop the next videogame sensation, create visual effects for the latest TV or movie blockbusters, and start their journey to becoming the next generation leads.

Neil Coker, Group Vice Principal Curriculum, WCG, said: “Games design, animation and VFX industries are estimated at £6bn to the UK economy, with Leamington’s Silicon Spa being a major player in contributing to this.

“The NextGen-AIM Awards Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills will equip students with a strong foundation in art, design, programming and computing skills, which are highly desirable to employers. They will also receive continuing guidance and feedback from professionals currently working in the industry. The course is designed to focus on making sure students have the relevant experience as well as the skills and knowledge to break into this exciting and innovative sector.

“This partnership will ensure that we can continue to provide the vital skills our young people need to meet the demand for skills locally in the sector, and ensure that Leamington remains to be at the heart of new developments in the games industry.”  

Julian Cabrera, Managing Director of NextGen Skills Academy, said: “We are delighted that Royal Leamington Spa College are joining NextGen Skills Academy. The whole NextGen team are excited to be working closely with the college to continue to produce students that have the skills employers want.”

Steve Stopps, Development Director of Excalibur Games, said: “The UK games industry is thriving, and needs the best talent to continue to grow. Royal Leamington Spa College has played an important part in nurturing games industry talent for many years. The partnership with the NextGen Skills Academy will take this to the next level, cementing the region’s pivotal role as a centre for digital creativity.”

There’s still time to enrol for this course which starts in September. For more information, or to apply, call 0300 456 0049, email or visit the NextGen Level 3 Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills course page.