Code: HFH0061
NextGen Skills Academy (or NextGen for short) is an organisation set up by Government and the Games, Animation and VFX industries to directly address skills gaps and shortages in these sectors.
These are fast-moving industries, so NextGen collaborates with industry experts to make sure their vocational qualifications for young people are up to date and relevant. They do this through working with an Employer Steering Group and Further Education to support delivery of a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills, accredited by AIM Awards. Their collaboration with AIM Awards has ensured that assessment methodology is aligned to industry standards and practice. This joined up approach has also produced two VFX Apprenticeship standards with a Games standard currently in development, which would be ideal progression routes for graduating NextGen students.
NextGen hold an inaugural showcase of graduate students’ work. Attended by employers from world renowned games design, animation and VFX studios.
The Games, Animation and VFX sectors are academically stretching but vocationally focused, which is why employers supported the creation of NextGen and continue to work closely with them. The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills embodies the fundamental skills and knowledge identified as necessary for employment in these industries. It was developed in 2015 by NextGen with industry collaboration from Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, Microsoft, Ubisoft Reflections, The Imaginarium, Blue Zoo, Framestore, Double Negative, Centroid and MPC. NextGen are always expanding and have since added Creative Assembly and Playground Games to their roster of supporters.
All NextGen courses are practical, applied and relevant, and they include real-world challenges and feedback from industry. NextGen students become the next generation of creators, whether their next steps are in to an apprenticeship or vocational higher education they have a solid base of technical skills allied to practical teamwork, communication and iteration experience.
94%
of learners said the College campus provides a safe environment
90%
of learners said staff valued students views and opinions about their study programme
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