Kickstart your Career – Apply for free Skills Bootcamps in Animation, Games & Unreal

Looking to launch your career in animation, games, or virtual production? Our free, 10 to 16-week Skills Bootcamps are now open for applications! They’re designed for those with existing technical skills to get you job-ready with expert guidance, career coaching, and industry feedback.

Delivered by NextGen RISE, in partnership with TechSPARK and A Productions, these intensive part-time programmes are ideal for recent graduates, career changers, or self-taught creatives who want to sharpen their skills and step into industry.

What are Skills Bootcamps?

Skills Bootcamps are flexible, government-funded courses that help adults build sector-specific skills employers are looking for. They’re part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and are designed to fast-track people into employment or new roles. These Skills Bootcamps are funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.

Our Skills Bootcamps offer:

✅ Specialist, tutor-led training
✅ Remote and in-person sessions
✅ Portfolio-building briefs and feedback
✅ 1-to-1 career coaching and job search support

All at no cost to the learner.

Choose Your Path: The Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamp in 3D Animation

Perfect for aspiring animators looking to build a portfolio and work in a studio-style environment. This course focuses on animation techniques, storytelling, and industry workflows.

✅ Supported by leading animation studio A Productions
✅ Includes a four-week shadowing opportunity on a new series that A Productions are developing for Terrific Television
✅ Learn from expert tutors and receive feedback from working animators

This bootcamp starts in late September 2025.

🔗 Apply for the Skills Bootcamp in 3D Animation

Skills Bootcamp in Game Development

A practical course designed for those with some coding experience who want to break into the games industry.

✅ Build and refine prototypes using Unity and C#
✅ Learn from experienced developers and complete real briefs
✅ Gain career coaching and portfolio support

This bootcamp starts in early October 2025.

🔗 Apply for the Skills Bootcamp in Game Development

Skills Bootcamp in Unreal Engine

Aimed at those with a technical or creative background looking to specialise in virtual production, VFX, or immersive media.

✅ Focus on lighting, rendering, and VFX in Unreal
✅ Build cinematic portfolio-ready projects
✅ Work with industry mentors in a simulated studio environment

This bootcamp starts in early October 2025.

🔗 Apply for the Skills Bootcamp in Unreal Bootcamp

Alumni Spotlight

Graduates of our Skills Bootcamps have gone on to work at leading studios including Auroch Digital and Lively Studios.

“The Skills Bootcamp in Game Development was life changing! I’m grateful for such an organised, informative and fun learning experience.”

Sonya Bleiph, Junior 3D Artist, Skills Bootcamp graduate

Are you eligible?

To apply, you must:

• Be aged 19+
• Live in (or have serious intent to move to) the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Region (Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset)
• Have some prior experience in your chosen field

Don’t miss out – applications close Sunday 17 August