Monday, 19 January 2015

HA4 Task 5 Progression – Training

Apprenticeships
"The ICT Service is looking to recruit four Apprentice ICT Support Analysts to assist in providing ICT support, resolving queries, problem-solving and providing technical assistance"

"Desired skills

Microsoft Office skills e.g. Word and Excel. 
Good understanding of Windows operating systems and desktop hardware. 
Legible handwriting and a good standard of written communication 
Good attention to detail 
Be numerate and have the ability to copy/transfer information accurately. 
Have the ability to understand and apply regulations and written instructions

Qualifications required

No previous qualifications required"

ICT Apprentice

CCL Stressing Systems Ltd

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Involved in PC setup
• Purchasing IT hardware/software
• Administration of user accounts/groups
• Maintenance of asset databases
• Managing projects

Desired skills

• Excellent organisational skills
• Accuracy
• Customer focused approach
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Detailed understanding of Windows Operating System
• Common sense and logical thinking 
• Organised and able to plan ahead

Qualifications required

5 GCSE’s at grades A*- C or equivalent (including English Language and Maths)

I.T. Apprenticeship

Brentwood County High School
Particular duties include
• Assisting in the maintenance of the school website including posting news items 
• Monitoring social networking sites for the school profile and updating school information. 
• To check the ICT.suites after the last session each day to ensure everything is tidy and in good order. 
• To support teaching staff/students in the technical aspects of ICT. 
• To undertake basic servicing.and consumable replacement. 
• To assist with the weekly hardware checks, repairing any simple faults or reporting more complicated faults as appropriate 

Desired skills

An understanding of social networking and IT systems

Qualifications required

English GCSE Grade C or equivalent

ICT Apprentice

Henry Cavendish Primary School Streatham

  • Facilitate the smooth running of the network by undertaking reasonable tasks as required, including some administrative tasks.
  • Support the school’s Internet, Email and Virtual Learning Environment.
  • Support the day-to-day running of the curriculum/admin network in collaboration with the Network Manager.
  • Provide support and maintenance for network hardware and software, including classroom support. 
  • Provide technical support for curriculum and school events.
  • Support staff in the use of ICT equipment.
  • Report faults to the Network Manager as required. 
  • Support in-house training as and when required.
  • Attend meetings as and when required.
  • Be aware of and comply with the policies and procedures relating to child protection, equality and diversity, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Desired skills

  • Willing to work across sites,- essential
  • Good written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Able to establish good working relationships with staff, pupils parents and outside agencies.
  • Computer literate.
  • Willing and able to complete all learning and assessment requirements of the relevant framework.

Qualifications required

  • Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent.
  • Hold 5 x GCSE grade A-C to include English Language and Maths.Or be willing to work towards the appropriate level of English, Maths and ICT qualification.


ICT Apprentice

RENDCOMB COLLEGE

  • Facilitate the smooth running of the network by undertaking reasonable tasks as required, including some administrative tasks
  • Support the school’s Internet, Email and Virtual Learning Environment
  • Support the day-to-day running of the curriculum/admin network in collaboration with the Network Manager
  • Provide support and maintenance for network hardware and software, including classroom support
  • Provide technical support for curriculum and school events
  • Support staff in the use of ICT equipment
  • Report faults to the Network Manager as required
  • Support in-house training as and when required
  • Attend meetings as and when required
  • Be aware of and comply with the policies and procedures relating to child protection, equality and diversity, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Desired skills

  • Good written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Able to establish good working relationships with staff, pupils parents and outside agencies
  • Computer literate
  • Willing and able to complete all learning and assessment requirements of the relevant framework

Qualifications required

Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent
Hold 5 x GCSE grade A-C to include English Language and Maths
Or be willing to work towards the appropriate level of English, Maths and ICT qualification

ICT Support Apprentice

Coodes Solicitors

The ICT department provides a myriad of technical services to all staff within the firm at the company's head office and 6 regional branch offices. The apprentice will help provide technical support and advice to all users of our ICT services and ensure any operational problems or queries are diagnosed and resolved as quickly as possible. 
Reporting to the ICT Manager, they will be a member of the ICT Team providing a full ICT service to the company, assisting with systems/network administration, hardware/software maintenance and installation, Windows PC/Server troubleshooting and application support. They will need to ensure that customer requests and calls, initiated via the Helpdesk, are responded to in an effective and professional manner. The role requires a strong customer-focused approach and will involve customer liaison, problem solving, fault logging/tracking and general systems support. They may also be required to assist in the planning, development and deployment of new systems and other projects. 

Desired skills

The successful candidate should be self-motivated with proven analytical and problem solving abilities. They will need to be an organised and structured individual with good time management skills and have the ability to prioritise and manage their workload effectively. 
The ideal apprentice will have good organisational skills so you are always on time for work and college and you are able to prioritise your workload and meet deadlines well. You will also have great ICT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft programs to include Word, Excel, Powerpoint. You have good communication skills so you are able to deal with pupils and staff in a polite and friendly manner. 
Most importantly you should have a passion for technology and keeping abreast of new developments in all relevant ICT areas. Good inter-personal skills are also vital. You must also need to be a good communicator and be able to demonstrate an excellent command of verbal and written English. 

Qualifications required

We will be looking for candidates with 5 GCSEs grade C or above to include Maths, English and ICT (or equivalent). 

Apprentice ICT Support Technician

Shavington Primary School

Apprentice ICT Support Technician required to assist with the general ICT, software management, and hardware management support.
Main duties to include:
  • Installation of software
  • Problem solving IT issues
  • Monitoring of equipment
  • Printer management
  • IT stock management
  • Purchasing equipment
  • Additional IT related issues as and when required

Desired skills

  • Candidates should be computer literate and have knowledge of office programmes.

Qualifications required


  • ICT Qualification
  • GCSE’s A-C in English & Maths (or equivalent). Functional Skills are offered as part of the apprenticeship framework depending on qualifications held by the candidate.
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/492097


ICT Apprentice

Northstone Web Design



A fantastic opportunity to train as an ICT Support Technician, to work alongside a Microsoft Certified Professional performing IT infrastructure Hardware/Software & Support tasks.

Desired skills

Good knowledge of IT systems and installation standards
Ability to follow procedures and systems
Excellent customer service skills
Good communicator
Good organisational skills
Ability to work within deadlines
Interest in Office and Adobe
Some knowledge of programming
(Full training will be provided for the right candidate)

Qualifications required

GCSE A- C in Maths and English, or equivalent plus excellent ICT skills

ICT Apprentice

La Sainte Union Convent School
• Facilitate the smooth running of the network by undertaking reasonable tasks as required, including some administrative tasks.
• Support the school’s Internet, Email and Virtual Learning Environment.
• Support the day-to-day running of the curriculum/admin network in collaboration with the Network Manager.
• Provide support and maintenance for network hardware and software, including classroom support. 
• Provide technical support for curriculum and school events
• Support staff in the use of ICT equipment.
• Report faults to the Network Manager as required. 
• Support in-house training as and when required.
• Attend meetings as and when required.
• Be aware of and comply with the policies and procedures relating to child protection, equality and diversity, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

Desired skills


  • Good written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Able to establish good working relationships with staff, pupils parents and outside agencies
  • Computer literate
  • Willing and able to complete all learning and assessment requirements of the relevant framework

Qualifications required


  • Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent
  • Hold 5 x GCSE grade A-C to include English Language and Maths
  • Or be willing to work towards the appropriate level of English, Maths and ICT qualification
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/513011

ICT/Accounts Apprentice

Your E Solutions Limited

This opportunity is very varied but will include; 
Providing support assistance to internal and external customers in a busy combined web design / accountants office. 
Database management and maintaining the CRM ie customer relationship systems. 
Providing admin/IT support, including maintaining company and client data. 
Emailing clients, producing mail merge documents, database management, dealing with clients data support needs. 
Some of the Key Attributes we would like you to possess include; 
Some knowledge and interest in Web related applications, and previous experience would be an advantage. 
Good key board skills and an understanding of, and interest in working in IT. 
Good communication skills. 
Attention to detail and accuracy are essential key.

Desired skills

Some knowledge, previous experience and interest in Web related applications; 
would be an advantage. 
Good key board skills and an understanding of, and interest in working in IT. 
Good communication skills. 
Ability to prioritise workload and to work on own initiative.

Qualifications required

English and Maths GCSE at grade C or above or equivalent would be preferred but will consider candidates with a real interest in ICT, Accounts and Administration.

HA4 Task 4 Progression – Higher Education

Task 4
Progression – Higher Education
Use the UCAS site to familiarise yourself with the process of choosing and applying for higher education courses. You can also find out about the financial aspects of studying at university. Do not register at this stage. You may also want to look at the Skillset accredited courses for games in addition to company websites. But remember that you have a wide range of options and do not have to stay within the field of games design.

Create a shortlist of five courses that you would consider attending and include a short profile on each, type of course, duration, entry requirements, overview etc.

You are aiming to prepare personal career development material to a quality that reflects near professional standards consistently using correct formal language.

Games design and development At Manchester metropolitan University
"This degree combines web technology and application development with the development of highly valued creative skills in design and games design. The degree is accredited by the British Computing Society, the chartered professional body for IT. Successful completion allows you to gain Chartered IT Professional status and become a graduate member of the BCS. Our digital technology and multimedia facilities are second to none: you will have full access to our purpose-built multimedia studio with HD cameras, vision mixing, full recording kit and audio, broadcast and CGI post production equipment. We also have a computer usability lab which captures and analyses human behaviour as we interact with computers, websites, gadgets and video games. Our computing laboratories are state-of-the-art and include dedicated Appled Mac suites and specialist, industry-standard software. You will develop your project management and digital media production/web/games development skills which will prove invaluable for a variety of employment contexts. The four year sandwich route gives you the opportunity to spend your third year on industrial placement boosting your employment prospects on graduation. You will experience what it's like to work as part of a professional team finding solutions to complex problems via group projects. You can also get involved with extracurricular work to further apply your skills, for example, gaming events and the student computing society. Many of our computing and digital technology degrees share a common first year allowing you to transfer between courses after Year 1, as you develop your areas of interest."

Entry Requirements 260 UCAS points and 

  • BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) (Suite known as nationals)
  • General information on subjects/grades required for entry:Information Technology. Science.
  • Required grades:Grade Merit and grade Merit and grade Distinction.

Computer Science (Games) at the University of Brighton
"You will study programming, 3D modelling and a host of other topics relevant to the industry. You will also learn about games hardware and benefit from a work placement year that the university will help you arrange. Taught in Brighton, this course is accredited by the British Computer Society, the chartered institute for IT professionals."

Entry Requirements 300 UCAS points and 

"The BSc (Hons) Games Programming course uses C++, the principal programming language in the games industry, throughout all years of study. You will be taught programming (assuming no prior knowledge of programming), and the underlying principles of modern Object Orientated development to successfully build 2D and 3D games. In addition, to enable realistic behaviour and movement to be modelled, mathematics and physics are taught in a very practical way, for both 2D and 3D game environments. Also, modern games use Artificial Intelligence, (AI), techniques within them, and as such, you will also be taught a number of AI techniques for use in games development. You will be taught through lectures, seminars and tutorials and a great deal of the teaching enables the underlying theory to be practically applied within student created programs."

Entry Requirements: 260 UCAS points and Applicants will need at least two A2-levels (or equivalent) including at least one relevant subject (eg AS/A2 mathematics or computing or BTEC National in computing or games).


  • BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) (Suite known as nationals)
  • Required grades:Grade Merit and grade Distinction and grade Distinction.

Games Design at Bolton University
"The University of Bolton was one of the first in the country to offer games-based courses and our experience covers games programming, games design and games art. We have over 11 years experience in the delivery of dedicated games courses. We have a large number of staff who are passionate about games and dedicated to teaching the subject. Our team includes a balance of academic and industrial experience. Members of the team have worked in AAA studios, have run their own studios, have authored books and are conducting international-facing research. Our facilities include dedicated games labs including quad processor PCs installed with current games development environments, state-of-the-art 3D graphics cards, XBOX 360s and Playstation 3s ensuring you have access to the tools you need to create a high quality portfolio of work ready to impress potential employers. Our games design course complements our other games programmes and you will benefit from working alongside our more technical and artistic students."

Entry Requirements 260 UCAS points

Interactive Systems and Video Games Design at the university of Bradford

"Following a more technical path, this course includes an introduction to programming, the use of scripting tools and technical animation, and optional modules in artificial intelligence and other specialist topics. This route also allows for project work to be undertaken across a range of platforms and formats including content for mobile devices, casual games, and serious games and simulations. We have a unique partnership with the National Media Museum home to the Bradford Animation Festival."

Entry Requirements: 280 UCAS points and GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C.

HA4 Task 3 Skills Audit and Personal Statement

Task 3
Skills Audit and Personal Statement
Produce an ideas map exploring the soft, transferable skills you possess and those that you need to develop. Use this to produce a personal statement that introduces you as an individual, rather than as a candidate for a job. This should include you identifying areas for improvement and the setting of goals. Wherever possible, try to use examples to illustrate your skills.

You are aiming to prepare personal career development material to a quality that reflects near professional standards consistently using correct formal language.

HA4 Task 2 CV

Task 2
CV
Prepare a CV by customising the supplied template. Please make up the personal information highlighted in red as the document will be posted to your blog, but ensure that the rest of the information is accurate. Make sure that you include all pending qualifications, as well as those achieved.

You are aiming to prepare personal career development material to a quality that reflects near professional standards consistently using correct formal language.

HA4 Task 1 Portfolio

Task 1
Portfolio
Create a portfolio of your work from the units you have completed this year. You only need to include the final outcome for each assignment. This may involve artwork, animation, screen capture, sound files and presentations. Make sure that you use headings to make it clear which unit and assignment the work you are presenting relates to. This is your chance to reflect on what you have achieved. You will also be able to evaluate what your strengths and weaknesses are and what you did and didn’t enjoy.

You are aiming to prepare personal career development material to a quality that reflects near professional standards consistently using correct formal language.
This is the design i created for the PS4 Jewel case Task.

This video shows the 2-D Shooter game I created.

This is the 3-D Level walk through for the level I have constructed in Unity.

Tuesday, 6 January 2015

HA3 Task 1 Structure – The Value Chain


The Value Chain
 The Value chain is a reference to the sectors of the games industry that are essential to a game's development, thought process, manufacture and marketing. These job sectors are devised of 6 categories: 


  • Developers
  • Publishers
  • Console Manufacturers/First Party Publishers
  • Distribution and Retail
  • Outsourcing Companies
  • Press and Media
Developers
A Developer is job role that produces the computer code that allow certain features or events to happen within a game. This role is vital, as it gives a sense of life to the game, it makes the player actually have some form of interaction with the game. Characters are usually free to move around a world unless they are restricted on purpose a good example of important movement would be in the indie game "Wings of Vi" This game is a precision skill based plat former that changes movement mechanics through out the game by constantly evolving the level, although the fundamental movement is the same, it is very crucial for game play. The Developer doesn't just create movement, they also make spontaneous or key events happen, this can include cut scenes, AI for enemies or allies and Trigger events which all give the game play an even more life like perspective to the player. A Developer's job also entails fixing bugs, this is a very important stage of development as the game needs to function as it is intended, fixing bugs can include errors with code or in-game malfunctions such as player clipping or incorrect textures. For instance a popular video game bug was the "Missing no" Pokemon in the video game "Pokemon red & blue", This was actually found in more than 1 of the Pokemon games.
Publishers
A video game Publisher is a company that publishes a video game that has been developed by themselves or a game developer. An important role they have is financing the development by paying a game development team. Often times larger publisher's in the video game industry tend to help distribute the game they publish, meanwhile, smaller publishers hire distribution/advertisement companies too. They can also pay for the license of a game as well as localization and layout etc. An example of a large publishing company is "Activision" They published large selling games such as Transformers series, The entire Call of Duty series and Quake (besides the first game).
Console Manufacturers/First Party Publishers
First party video game publishers are a company that manufacturer and distribute video games consoles as well as allowing third party publishers to produce video games on it's platform for a legal agreement (licensing fee). Examples of these companies include Sony Computer Entertainment, Nintendo and Microsoft. An example of a console one of these companies have produced is the Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Although Microsoft still produce their own games, this console has a wide variety of  third party publishers that had manufactured video games for them. The console manufacturers try to use different strategies to sell their consoles instead of a buyer purchasing another console.
Distribution and Retail
The distribution of video games is often done by companies such as steam, origin etc. Although games can also be distributed by companies such as activision who pay for advertisements, marketing etc. For independent game developers, they would be required to seek and pay a company to do it for them. But why is it so popular to distribute video games? Well if nobody distributed video games, we wouldn't see them advertised or marketed which would lead too no sales of the game at all, simply because nobody knows about it.

Monday, 8 December 2014

HA3 Task 7 - Professional Bodies Supporting the Industry


Professional Bodies support the games industry

UKIE (The association for UK Interactive entertainment)
UKIE is the only trade body that represents the UK’s interactive entertainment industry. It supports organisations in the video games and wider interactive entertainment sector. They are here to help and show off a positive image of video games.





BAFTA (The British Academy of film and television)
BAFTA is supported by a membership of about 6,000 people from the film, television and video game industries. The BAFTA awards recognise excellence in video games, some of these include  AlienX for young developers award, and the best action adventure was awarded to the development team behind the last of us, instead of popular games such as Grand Theft Auto: V and Assassins creed 4.







WIGJ (Women in Games jobs)
Women In Games Jobs (WIGJ) works to recruit, retain and support the progression of women in the games industry by positively and actively promoting  female role models and giving encouragement and information to those women seeking to work in games. Women in Games Jobs was incorporated as a “not for profit” or Community Interest Company under the UK’s Companies Act 2006 on 2 June 2011.





IGDA (The international game developers association)
The International Game Developers Association is the largest non-profit membership organization serving individuals that create video games. 

As an international organization, we are a global network of collaborative projects and communities comprised of individuals from all fields of game development - from programmers and producers to writers, artists, QA and localization. 


We bring together developers at key industry conferences, in over 90 Chapters and in Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to improve their lives and their craft. We advocate on behalf of our membership to ensure quality of life, perpetuation of our craft and preparing the next generation of developers.


Whether you're a student with a goal to become a game developer or a seasoned veteran, regardless if you're based in the U.S. or any country/region in the world, whether you're an indie developer or in a AAA studio, whether your primary platform is a PC, console or a tabletop - we welcome you home to the IGDA!






MEF (Mobile enterainment forum)
The MEF is a global association for companies wanting to monitor and produce their mobile services. The organisation HQ is in London and there are offices at set destinations globally, in places such as latin america, middle east and africa. 

MEF Shapes the ongoing development of the industry through its regulation and policy & initiatives activity. We work globally with key stakeholders at a local level to advance a robust and equitable business environment that protects members’ revenues and facilitates growth. 

MEF also Connects the industry by creating strategic business development and networking opportunities at both industry and dedicated MEF events worldwide. Regional activities such as Summits and Workshops are another way to get involved.

They also monetize in partnership with its members through analytics and initiative activity that help members navigate the complexities of mobile by exploring new business models, addressing barriers to growth and driving new opportunities for mobile content and commerce.