Does leading the design and development of bespoke technical systems which affect the allocation of significant project resources, planning and coordinating the delivery of work, sound like your dream role? If so then this Game Programmer Apprenticeship could be the one for you!
Potential jobs after the apprenticeship and entry criteria
This apprenticeship gives you great experience in Game Programming and sets you up to get a job in the following roles; Developer relations engineer, Game programmer, Game server programmer, mobile game developer and graphics engineer. All these jobs have great opportunities for career growth and the average salary for a Game programmer in the UK is £52,500. The criteria to enter this apprenticeship is to have an English and Mathematics qualification in line with the apprenticeship rules before your end point assessment.
Key responsibilities of a Game Programmer Apprentice
- Lead the development of technical systems governed by the principles and constraints of real-time graphical environments for contemporary gaming platforms (e.g. games consoles, desktop computers, tablets and phones).
- Engineer robust, performance-driven software using programming languages and game engines. Conceptualise and address performance bottlenecks and optimise complex software systems and resource pipelines.
- Diagnose and fix errors in complex technical systems that involve many interacting factors.
- Lead the development of technical systems which feed directly or indirectly into the player experience. Initiate and implement modifications to software architectures to support future changes in design.
- Plan and coordinate the delivery of work for themselves and junior programmers within a larger team.
- Provide technical insight to a broad spectrum of creative disciplines from Game Programmers to Marketing to communicate technical constraints and opportunities.
- Create and maintain technical standards across the project and stay informed of the latest technical requirements. Undertake reviews of code, documentation, testing processes and methodologies to maintain good technical practice across the business.
- Lead research into new technologies and identify opportunities for their potential application within the business.
- Practise continuous self-learning to keep up to date with latest industry developments, and support their effective communication within the organisation.
Assessment
At the end of the Game Programmer Apprenticeship there are two assessments you have to complete. These are:
- A project with a software artefact
You will be asked to complete a software artefact. As part of the project, you need to write a software artefact and submit this to the EPAO. The software artefact should be a maximum of 5000 (with a 10% tolerance).
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the project output. The presentation with questions will last at least 90 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 5 questions about the project and presentation.
- Professional discussion
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes and they will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway and you can use it to help answer the questions.
Conclusion
A level 7 Game Programmer Apprenticeship is a great way to start your career in the video game industry. You will get paid while getting hands-on experience giving you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed afterwards. You will also have the opportunity to learn from experts and get feedback on your work and how to improve. Finally you will be well-positioned to start a career in the industry, as you will have a network of contacts, which can be invaluable when looking for a job.
If this isn’t the right role for you, visit our website to find all the other opportunities out there.
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