TIGA LAUNCHES PROPOSAL TO CREATE STRONG LINKS BETWEEN INDUSTRY & EDUCATION

UK games trade body TIGA has launched a proposal for an Industrial Secondment Programme which would enable up to 20 games lecturers to spend up to 12 months in games development studios.

The aim of the programme is to ensure that those teaching the next generation of games industry talent get practical knowledge of current game development techniques. It will also strengthen relationships between education and industry, and increase opportunities for student placements.

TIGA’s proposed Industrial Secondments Programme (ISP) would enable lecturers on video games courses to spend time over one, three, six or 12 months in a games development business on a part-time or full-time basis to ensure flexibility and to minimise logistical challenges for their colleges and universities. The variation in the length of secondments could potentially allow a lecturer to take advantage of a summer placement, term length or year-long placement. The ISP could be delivered by Innovate UK, at a cost of approximately £1 million.

TIGA CEO Richard Wilson OBE (pictured) explained: “The video games industry is a fast-moving sector, and it is essential that course leaders in the UK’s many impressive educational establishments are teaching relevant and up-to-date courses. TIGA’s ISP will ensure that participating lecturers are preparing graduates to enter our world-class video games industry.

“TIGA’s ISP will benefit the video games industry, graduates and lecturers and help to enhance skills development in video games education. The ISP will also help bridge gaps between industry and education.

“The video games industry is one that the UK Government should promote and TIGA’s ISP will help to ensure that our video games sector is world-beating.”

Women in Games CEO Marie-Claire Isaaman offered: “Education is one of the Spaces of Action in which we, as an organisation, operate as we recognise that supporting and nurturing the next generation of talent is incredibly important – particularly when it comes to encouraging more young women and girls to consider a career in games.

“We welcome this proposal by TIGA and hope that this initiative is moved forward.”