NEXTGEN FUTURES
ACCELERATE IN ANIMATION
SKILLS BOOTCAMP

Are you ready to embark on a creative journey into the world of 3D animation?

NextGen is proud to introduce a transformative free 10-week Skills Bootcamp for the West England Combined Authority region.

Our Skills Bootcamp focuses on 3D animation using Blender, where participants will collaboratively respond to an industry brief, working as a remote animation studio to craft a captivating short film in just ten weeks.

Industry-backed & expert-guided

Accelerate in Animation isn't just about learning technical skills; it's about diving into the animation world with unparalleled support. It has been created in partnership with renowned local studios Aardman Animations and A-Productions, to bring you industry-vetted content and expert guidance.

The creative brief has been approved by these industry experts, and your learning experience will be enriched by the wisdom of dedicated tutors and animation professionals through masterclasses and studio insights.

What You'll Learn

This comprehensive Skills Bootcamp will give you an understanding of the animation pipeline, from receiving the initial creative brief through to delivery of the final film.

You'll have the freedom to specialise in specific areas that align with your interests, all while receiving guided support. By the end of this 10-week journey, you'll gain a deep understanding of the animation industry, enhance your technical skills, acquire real experience in the animation production pipeline, and build an impressive portfolio of work.

Is this for you?

This opportunity is designed for individuals aged 19+ who already have intermediate 3D animation skills and who want to enter the animation industry. Eligible participants will already live in the West England Combined Authority region, or have serious intent to live and work here.

Previous experience using Blender to create 3D animation will be an advantage, but if you have transferrable skills and experience using another programme then you're still encouraged to apply.

This Skills Bootcamp is a perfect fit for recent animation graduates and those with self-taught skills who are ready to take their passion to the professional level. Read more about eligibility and the West England Combined Authority region here.

Read on for more information, or if you're ready to take the next step you can Apply here! (Applications close on Thursday 14th December 2023).

What are Skills Bootcamps?

Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, helping everyone gain skills for life. Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with an employer.

Accelerate in Animation is part of the Skills Bootcamps Programme funded and managed by the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, and delivered by NextGen Skills Academy.

Delivery

Skills Bootcamp Delivery

Your learning experience

The Skills Bootcamp spans ten weeks, with three hours of guided learning each week. Additionally, participants are expected to dedicate three hours to independent work.

There will also be four in-person working days during weekends (dates TBC), ensuring that you get to connect with fellow participants.

Meet your guides

Dedicated Blender tutor: Under the guidance of our experienced tutor, you'll master the art of 3D animation and bring your visions to life.

Career Coach: You’ll join a leading coach for essential employability lessons and one-to-one support. Helping you develop the skills to kickstart your career in the animation industry.

The Platform: NextGen RISE

You'll operate as a remote animation studio, utilizing the NextGen RISE platform. Created by Tom Box, Co-Founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio, RISE simulates the animation studio pipeline, all within one platform.

Effective team communication will be facilitated through dedicated Discord servers.

Masterclasses and studio insights!

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the industry with studio insights and masterclasses hosted by experienced animators.

Professionals from Aardman and A-Productions will provide invaluable feedback on your work, helping you grow as an animator.

ELIGIBILITY

You must be 19 years or older
You must have existing skills in 3D animation (you will be required to evidence these as part of the application process)
You need to live in, or intend to work in, the West of England Combined Authority area, which includes Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire. Scroll down for a map of the West England Combined Authority region, you can also find your local authority by entering your postcode here.

Inclusivity

We're committed to inclusivity. Our goal is to provide training opportunities for everyone, making our industries more representative of our society. We encourage applications from those underrepresented in the creative industries.

Right to Work

To join the NextGen Futures Skills Bootcamp, you must have the right to work and stay in the UK at the time of application.

Time Commitment

You should be able to dedicate 6 hours a week for the 10-week Skills Bootcamp. This includes 3 hours of remote tutor-led lessons and 3 hours of self-study. Group tutor sessions will take place in the evenings to help you fit learning around other commitments.

There will also be four in-person working days that will take place over the duration of the Skills Bootcamp. These will either be over two full weekends or four Saturdays (exact dates will be confirmed after the course starts - these will be informed by participants as we want as many people as possible to attend).

The Accelerate in Animation Skills Bootcamp runs from January 2024 to March 2024 (exact dates to be confirmed).

ELIGIBILITY