Middlesbrough College announces ‘game-changer’ deal to boost creative-tech skills

Middlesbrough College has signed a new deal to boost the skills of budding games designers and animators.

The college is one of 14 in the country to join forces with the NextGen Skills Academy, a scheme that matches educators with big names from the creative sector.

As part of the tie-up, Middlesbrough College will offer a new two-year course for learners seeking a career in games design, animation or visual effects.

The NextGen Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills will see tech giants including Sony and Ubisoft deliver industry insights and learning sessions at the college.

Middlesbrough College’s curriculum team leader for creative media and games design, Lex Notman, said: “Our partnership with NextGen is a game-changer for students.

“Where traditionally courses were designed by academics, NextGen flips that on its head and puts employers – some of the biggest names in the creative media sector – in the driving seat.”

Lex continued: “It means the course will give students the skills and knowledge that employers are asking for, and the practical experience and portfolio to boot.

“It’s fantastic that we’ve brought the NextGen Skills Academy to Teesside – an important centre of creative media production in the UK.”