Career Connect and Game Academy’s work providing insights into gaming and digital careers has been shortlisted for a national award.
Career Connect and Game Academy delivered their bespoke five-week course to 6th Form students with SEND at Oakwood Academy in Salford. The programme has been shortlisted in the Careers Programme – Post 16 Education category at the UK Career Development Awards.
As well as linking students up with industry experts to learn about the range of careers in the gaming and digital sectors, the intensive programme also focused on transferable skills that young people can take from gaming.
Video games require skills such as communication, problem solving and decision making, which are key in any role.
Students used an online digital tool designed by Game Academy, combined with support from a Career Connect adviser, to help understand their own strengths and interests.
The students heard from professionals including a Technology Chief Operating Officer, game designers and a concept artist, and completed assignments linked to each of these roles.
While Game Academy provided the industry expertise, Career Connect offered wrap around careers support and mentoring, helping young people to think about their career path. They also linked the students up with opportunities for further development, such as with The Princes Trust.
The programme also engaged parents and carers, making them aware of the value and transferability of game-related skills across a range of careers.
The digital-focused course was part of Connect to Your Future, a 21-month intensive mentoring and coaching programme commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority and led by Career Connect to deliver improved economic, environmental, and social wellbeing for 15–19-year-olds not in employment, education or employment, or at risk of this.
David O’Sullivan, Deputy Head of 6th Form at Oakwood Academy said: “The collaboration between Career Connect, The Game Academy and Oakwood Academy provided invaluable information, advice and guidance to our students.
“Because of this project, our students have actual connections in the Digital Media industry that supported them with their coursework, linking this back to opportunities in the industry. The guest speakers were high calibre, the wrap around support was excellent and the participation of the students was brilliant.”
Traci Rabaca, Senior Operations Lead at Career Connect said: “I am absolutely delighted that our collaboration has been shortlisted. Together, we set out to enhance the confidence and employability skills of students with complex SEND in an innovative and engaging way. Through combining our expertise and resources, we were proud to achieve positive outcomes for the young people, improved learning outcomes and a better understanding of career pathways in the gaming sector.”
David Barrie, CEO, Game Academy, said: “Almost every young person plays video games. Many of the skills used in game have great potential in the labour market. Using our unique game analytics and online learning programmes, the Connect to your Future programme gave Game Academy a great opportunity to work with gamers, in groups and one-to-one, to help them make the most of their in-game talent out of game.”
The winner will be announced at the UK Career Development Awards ceremony on Tuesday 18th June 2024.
