Gaming industry

Ways into the games industry

So, you want to work in the games industry? Don't know where to start? Well, you're in the right place. We can't guarantee you a job in games, but we can give you advice on the different options you have that can increase your chances of getting your foot in the door.

What are your options when you leave school?

You might want to go straight into work after leaving school or you might want to go on to do further study. If you already have an idea about what job you want to do in games, have a look at our games job roles and see whether you need to have any particular qualifications to do that role, and what are the best routes in. Two main options you might want to consider after you leave school are: Apprenticeships

With apprenticeships, you can earn and learn, working in the games industry while you learn both on the job and at college, so as to give you really strong foundations on which to build your career. For games, the apprenticeship to choose is: Creative and Digital Media

The industry has worked with us to assess apprenticeship programmes for the quality of the training they give you and the close links they have with employers. The best ones have been awarded the Creative Skillset Tick - click here to see a list of Tick apprenticeship training programmes.

Have a look at these apprenticeships - what you'll learn and the roles you could apply for - and have a think about whether you want to get stuck in straight away or whether university might be more up your street. 

Degree courses

If you want to do a degree course, you need to know about the Creative Skillset Tick. This is the quality mark that's awarded by industry to the degree courses that have the closest links with industry, that provide the highest level of industry-relevant education, and that offer the facilities that match what's being used in the industry. Click here for the exclusive range of games courses identified as providing this industry-standard education and work experience: Games and interactive courses awarded the Creative Skill set Tick Each course will be different and each will have its own entry requirements, so check these on the universities' websites - this will help you work out which course is right for you.

Ready to look for your first job?

These apprenticeships and degree courses will help you stand out from the crowd. And you'll need to stand out from the crowd for employers to give you a chance to start your games industry career. Trainee Finder

If you've been on a Tick degree course or already have some games industry work experience, you could be eligible for a scheme we offer that offers trainee placements in the games industry: Trainee Finder.

Trainee Finder matches exceptional individuals to industry placements in games, film, TV, animation and VFX. If you are chosen, the company will offer a training placement including a training allowance that will cover the cost of living. And placements can last anything from a few weeks up to several months. Learn more about Trainee Finder. For more information go on www.creativeskillset.org