Computer Games kitemark announced
SKILLSET today announced that it is developing an industry accreditation scheme for degree courses relevant to the Computer Games Industry. In partnership with ELSPA (Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) and TIGA (The Independent Games Developers Association) and jointly funded by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), Skillset has appointed Glynn Williams, formerly of Argonaut studios, to work alongside Sheffield Hallam University to research criteria and guidelines for the scheme.
Games publishers and developers will be surveyed and invited to industry workshops to share their views on the suitability of available courses and to identify how they could be made even more relevant, so that graduates enter the industry with the right skills and experience.
Importantly, Higher Education Institutions will also be polled for detailed information on existing courses, industry links and success rates of placing graduates in employment within the sector.
Ian Livingstone, Creative Director of Eidos and a member of Skillset's Computer Games Skills Forum, said:
'Our initial research shows that there has been a very significant increase in computer games degree courses, from 16 in 2001 to a potential 143 at present. Through this project we want to establish how industry can work with colleges and universities to tailor courses so that graduates learn the skills and have the experience that employers need them to bring to the table and so that individuals can identify which courses are truly industry-relevant. In the long term this will have a powerful impact on the professionalism and productivity of the business"
Skillset aims to pilot an industry accreditation scheme in September 2005.
From the results of this research, and further consultation with both industry and education providers, Skillset will also produce occupational standards for the variety of jobs within the sector that will be an invaluable resource for the industry.
To get involved and feedback on this work visit www.skillset.org/interactive
-ENDS-
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries covering Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. SSCs are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.