Doing this degree apprenticeship will enable me to progress my career in games development

Apprenticeships are a great way for people of all ages and backgrounds to gain vital skills for their chosen career; and provides employers with a valuable working force.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we have spoken to both apprentices and employers on our schemes to find out why they are so rewarding.

Fletcher Hurn, 20 is a Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship at online games developer, Slingo Originals Studio based at the University of Essex’s Parkside Office Village on its Knowledge Gateway research and technology park.

After completing A Levels in Maths, Physics and Computer Science, Fletcher was keen to look at alternatives to full-time study.

He said: “My sixth form did a presentation to my year group where they spoke about Degree Apprenticeships and I knew that would be a good route for me. I created an account on the National Apprenticeship service, looked at vacancies on offer and applied for those that took my interest.”

On the National Apprenticeship service website, Fletcher saw a vacancy at Slingo Originals Studio. It was exactly what he was looking for so he applied for the role and was successful.

Getting into games development

As an Apprentice Developer, Fletcher creates the logic for the games, which is then handed over to the animation team to complete.

He said: “The role has developed over the time I have been here. It has been a steep learning curve but I have learnt so much so quickly as I have been putting the theory into practice: every relates to each other.”

Creating games and career progress

He has enjoyed every step of the apprenticeship since starting in October 2018.

He said: “It has been a really good experience. I can see my progression and can relate what I do at work to my degree.”

“One of the highlights for me is being part of the creation of a game and seeing it go live. I am able to see how many people are using the game and how much money it is making for the company. That has given me a great sense of achievement.”

He recommends anyone considering a career in gaming development to complete an apprentice at Essex.

He said: “The apprenticeship is really well structured and the staff really know the industry. I believe this apprenticeship will enable me to progress further within the industry of games development.”

Apply for our degree apprenticeships

As well as apprenticeships in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, the University also offers apprenticeships in Health and Social care and an AMBA accredited Master of Business Administration Degree Apprenticeship at Essex Business School.

For more information about apprenticeships at Essex, please email apprenticeships@essex.ac.uk or visit our apprenticeships pages.