NextGen Skills Academy

Ready to build the next big thing in gaming or immersive tech? We’re excited to announce our FREE 16-week Skills Bootcamp in Unity Programming for the West of England, created in partnership with techSPARK uk and backed by local employers! Whether you’re looking to break into game development or boost your coding skills, this Skills Bootcamp equips you with hands-on experience, industry-approved projects, and training to get you career-ready. Throughout the bootcamp, you’ll master C# programming, 2D/3D mechanics, animation, system design, user interface creation, and more, while building a portfolio to showcase your skills to employers. You’ll be supported by dedicated tutors and a careers coach, plus you'll gain insights into the creative industries with masterclasses. 🔑 Eligibility: Ages 19+, living in or moving to the West of England Combined Authority region. 🗓️ Apply by midnight on Sunday 29th September 2024 to secure your spot! 💻 Start your journey today: https://lnkd.in/en5tg4gD 

It's almost that time again! XVFX, the branch of ACCESS: VFX aimed at the POC community is having its annual networking event this Wednesday 18th September. This year's event is focused on Production and we are super proud and excited to have not only senior, experienced professionals for our panel but also for breakout sessions where you can speak directly to industry professionals—a great time to get advice, guidance, and encouragement during these tricky times. Hosted by myself and fellow XVFX leads, Gin Godden, and Anne Akande we welcome: @Sim Kaur, UK VFX Coordinator Dionne Archibald, Executive Producer Marsha Jennings, VFX Talent Agent Vish Patel P. Digital Compositor at PIXOMONDO Micah Mcleod, VFX & Video Editor, and ACCESS: VFX board member Carol Oakley, Senior Film Producer and Youth Mentor @Haydn Clarke, Production Director There will also be representatives from VFX, animation, and gaming studios including Framestore, Electric Theatre Collective, RASCAL, HaZimation , and more. Sign up for your free ticket here, but the guest list closes tomorrow so get in quick! https://lnkd.in/ezcsAR7h #xvfx #accessvfx #poc #peopleofcolour #vfx #visualeffects #animation #games #networking #communtiy #event

🚨 48 HOUR DEADLINE EXTENSION 🚨 The deadline for the Young Animator of the Year competition 2024 has been extended!! Last chance to get those entries in by midnight Wednesday 18 September ⏰ Enter here: https://lnkd.in/eRC-Nzp3

There are only two days left to apply for our Skills Bootcamp in 3D Character Animation! Applications must be received by midnight on Sunday 19th September ⌛ Don't miss this opportunity, find out more below or visit: https://lnkd.in/eqembjY9

Happy Wednesday! We’re posting our weekly jobs round-up a little earlier this week as we’re out visiting our colleges on Friday, plus we wanted to give another heads-up about applications closing for our Skills Bootcamp in 3D Character Animation this weekend. Check out the opportunities below for open positions in Animation and VFX 👇 A Productions, based in Bristol, are looking for an Edit Assistant to work on an exciting new 2D pre-school series based on a well-known and much-loved series of children’s books. 🔗 Edit Assistant - https://lnkd.in/ewvxnnJJ   Blue Zoo are looking for a number of talented entry level animators to join their award-winning studio in London. They are happy to discuss flexible, hybrid and remote working options for all their vacancies. 🔗 2D Layout Artist - https://lnkd.in/e_tWypse 🔗 Character Designer - https://lnkd.in/efAbrzUC 🔗 Junior 2D Background Artist - https://lnkd.in/eEum9dBQ   Red Star are recruiting for talented Character / Environment Designers to join their team remotely to work on their upcoming production of a BBC Christmas Special for Magic Light Pictures. 🔗 Character/Environment Designers - https://lnkd.in/eTXMi8Gd   Table Creative, based in Bath, are looking for talented individuals to grow their visualisation team. 🔗 Junior CGI Artist - https://lnkd.in/eExYQd4U 🔗 Junior Digital Image Technician - https://lnkd.in/ehK5evv9   Allison, a global marketing and communications agency, is looking for a Junior Animator to join them in London. You will be creating and incorporating motion graphics and VFX to the agency’s live action projects, as well as supporting animation and design projects. 🔗 Junior Animator: https://lnkd.in/esHWbj4t   1X2 Network, based in Brighton, are looking for an entry level Animator to bring their game artwork to life. 🔗 Animator: https://lnkd.in/e4-eViPz   Kingspan Data and Flooring are looking for a 3D Animator to join their team, you’ll be working in 3D modelling and animation using Blender. 🔗 3D Animator: https://lnkd.in/ersr4FYC 📢 Last call for applications for our Skills Bootcamp in 3D Character Animation supported by A Productions. This is for aspiring animators in the West of England Combined Authority Region, where you will develop a deep understanding of technical and artistic principles, and the skills to create high quality 3D character animation. Applications close on Sunday 15th September 2024. 🔗 Skills Bootcamp in 3D Character Animation: https://lnkd.in/euBnfpE6

It’s the first Friday of September, which means it’s our first jobs post of the month! This week we’ve been looking for open internships, entry and junior positions in the UK’s Games Industry. Check out the opportunities below 🎮 Gram Games is the studio behind popular mobile titles like 1010!, Merge Magic! and Merge Dragons! They’re currently looking for interns and a LiveOps Game Artist to join them in London. 🔗 QA Internship: https://lnkd.in/e2XAxBtg  🔗 Producer Intern: https://lnkd.in/eR-hRki5  🔗 LiveOps Game Artist: https://lnkd.in/etdcRAP6 TT Games, part of the Warner Bros. Discovery family, are looking for a Junior VFX Artist and Models Artist to join their studio in Knutsford. You will be working alongside an enthusiastic team helping to drive and deliver the next generation of AAA games created at TT. 🔗 Junior VFX Artist: https://lnkd.in/eVKAgFPK  🔗 Models Artist: https://lnkd.in/eYKx-3r5 Epic Games are recruiting for a number of intern positions to join their London studio. You’ll be working alongside their team building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences. 🔗 Tools Programmer Intern: https://lnkd.in/e-6CTTM7  🔗 Technical Art Intern: https://lnkd.in/eMbz3RDY  🔗 Backend Engineer Intern: https://lnkd.in/e6yrxsVR  🔗 Engine Programmer Intern: https://lnkd.in/epYrAViF Slug Disco Studios, an independent games studio, are looking for a Junior C++ Programmer to join their remote team. The successful candidate will receive training and mentorship from their development team to help them grow in the role. 🔗 Junior C++ Programmer: https://lnkd.in/ekBzNP9v Jagex, based in Cambridge, are recruiting for talented Web and Systems Engineers to join their Old School RuneScape team. 🔗 Junior Web Engineer - Old School RuneScape: https://lnkd.in/eiwKCdeG  🔗 Game Systems Engineer - Old School RuneScape: https://lnkd.in/evmkp2yJ Hanger 13 has an opportunity to join their studio in Brighton as a QA Technician. This an initial 6-month fixed term contract. 🔗 QA Technician: https://lnkd.in/e8FkdkV2 Moonactive are looking for an entry-level Level Designer to join their London studio in a hybrid role. You'll be part of the team responsible for crafting fun and high-performing levels. 🔗 Level Designer: https://lnkd.in/ety9GtXn 

Are you ready to elevate your 3D character animation skills? Join our FREE 10-week Skills Bootcamp in partnership with A Productions, tailored for aspiring animators in the West of England Combined Authority region! You will deepen your understanding of the 12 Principles of Animation, character design, rigging, facial animation, body mechanics, and advanced character interactions, all while building your portfolio with hands-on projects and real industry feedback. Plus, you’ll be supported by a careers coach to boost your professional confidence and employability skills. This bootcamp is perfect for those 19+ with intermediate skills looking to break into the animation industry. You must live in the West England Combined Authority region, or plan to relocate there. ⏳ Hurry - applications close on Sunday 15th September! Don’t miss out, apply now: https://lnkd.in/eqembjY9

It’s Friday, which would normally mean it’s time for our jobs post, but due to holidays we’re taking a week off. We’ll be back next week with a round-up of open roles in the UK’s Creative Industries. We would like to share an opportunity that has just opened for aspiring leaders from underrepresented communities in film & TV, gaming, immersive, animation, and creative tech. Creative Enterprise (Creative UK)'s Screen Launchpad is a brand-new 3-month development programme aimed at screen industry professionals who are ready to take the leap into starting a business. Their mission is to address the underrepresentation in the screen industries by providing aspiring founders with the tools and guidance they need to transform their business ideas into reality. Through a blend of workshops, online sessions, and mentoring, you will: 🟣 Develop key business skills 🟣 Gain valuable industry insights 🟣 Build a solid foundation for your business journey Applications are now open, and the deadline is 30th September at 5 pm. 🔗 Find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dtpsVqED You can also attend one of their live sessions to learn more about how Screen Launchpad can help you launch your business. 🔗 Screen Launchpad: Meet the Mentors – 4th Sept at 11am: https://lnkd.in/ezc5Z8kM The Screen Launchpad programme is part of Creative Enterprise, which has been developed with National Lottery funding from the BFI.

It’s Friday again, which means it’s time for our weekly jobs post! We’ve been looking at opportunities and open roles in the UK’s Animation and VFX industries. Check out the listings below and have a great Bank Holiday weekend 🎉 📢 Recruitment for Junior Visual Effects Apprenticeships ends soon! These placements offer hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and three career pathways - all while earning a salary and completing your training in just two years. Applications close on Thursday 29th August! 🔗 Junior Visual Effects Apprenticeship: https://lnkd.in/e7StFEqk DNEG are looking for talented Animators and Surfacing Artists to join their Animation team in London. You’ll be working in production on major animated projects. 🔗 Animator: https://lnkd.in/eFrSJuGW 🔗 Surfacing Artist: https://lnkd.in/eVnN25Vp BlueBolt are looking for a Junior Compositor to join their talented London based team. The successful candidates will work on an exciting range of upcoming projects. 🔗 Junior Compositor: https://lnkd.in/eaDdW8_i TT Games, part of the Warner Bros. Discovery family, are looking for VFX artists to join their studio in Knutsford in hybrid roles. You will be conceptualising and creating a wide range of visual effects for AAA games. 🔗 Junior VFX Artist: https://lnkd.in/eVKAgFPK 🔗 VFX Artist: https://lnkd.in/ech6ig-H Blue Zoo are looking talented creatives to expand their 2D team, working on existing projects and an exciting new 2D production! 🔗 Junior 2D Background Artist: https://lnkd.in/eEum9dBQ 🔗 Junior 2D Compositor: https://lnkd.in/eakAPY_w 🔗 2D Layout Artist (Entry Level): https://lnkd.in/e_tWypse 🔗 Junior Prop Design & Rig Artist (2D): https://lnkd.in/ewuhBbcH For those looking to upskill and prepare themselves for work, NextGen is proud to introduce a transformative free 10-week Skills Bootcamp for the West England Combined Authority region, delivered in partnership with A Productions! Our Skills Bootcamp focuses on 3D Character Animation, where learners will develop a deep understanding of technical and artistic principles, and the skills animators need for high quality 3D character animation. Applications close on Sunday 15th September 2024. 🔗 Skills Bootcamp in 3D Character Animation: https://lnkd.in/euBnfpE6

Have you applied for the Junior Visual Effects Apprenticeship yet? If not, you have less than ONE WEEK LEFT to apply! All applications must be received before midnight on Thursday 29th August 2024. Make sure you head to NextGen Skills Academy's website, at the link below and shoot your shot! 💥 https://lnkd.in/eE3qyHqS Need a little inspiration? Here's Samuel Gallant reflecting on his current apprenticeship experience at Framestore on the ACCESS: VFX Podcast last week! Along with Ericka Marie Go and Adem Suleyman who both completed their apprenticeships with DNEG and The Mill few years ago, this episode is an essential listen for anyone considering this life changing route into the visual effects (VFX) industry! Get links to all of our podcasts, events, job opportunities, mentoring opportunities and more at accessvfx.org #vfxapprenticeship #apprentice #apprenticeships #vfx #visualeffects