UNEMPLOYED Copeland residents have been exploring the video games industry, and how to make a career in it.

The Copeland Work and Skills Partnership, led by Copeland Borough Council, organised the online session with East Yorkshire games programming company BetaJester Ltd.

It helped participants understand the different roles in the gaming industry, and the skills required to do the jobs.

Roles such as artist, designer, programmer and sound designer were covered, as well as that of quality assurance officer, marketing professional, content creator and performer.

Participants heard how gaming is a fast-growing industry which welcomes people who have also worked in other sectors. They also learned about the many online courses that can help contribute towards a career in this industry.

Copeland Mayor, Mike Starkie, said: "One of our ambitions is to improve digital skills in Copeland.

"It's important that unemployed residents are given every opportunity to do this and advance their careers.

"The session provided key advice that could help people take their first steps in the video gaming industry.”

Sue Shepherd, Employer Advisor from the Department of Work and Pensions, said: "It was so exciting for our customers to experience life in the gaming industry. They heard from Adam Boyne, a director at Betajester Ltd, about the vast diversity of roles available, and how his passion for gaming has turned into a successful career.

"It was great that our customers were able to get their questions answered directly by a gaming professional."

For more information and to register for a future session, please contact the council’s Work and Skills team at chris.pickles@copeland.gov.uk(link sends e-mail).