Southwark College Games, Animation, and VFX first and second-year students participated in the NextGen Industry Challenge 3D Modelling competition, where they competed alongside other London colleges to test their creative and technical skills.
During the week-long challenge, both student cohorts worked against the clock to deliver an industry brief in two days. First-year students modelled spaceships, while second-year teams worked to conceptualise and create space stations.
The students presented their dynamic 3D model and animations to industry professionals Angie Engelbert from Blizzard Entertainment and Charlie Blay from NextGen Skills Academy, who met the students at the halfway point of the challenge, gave them valuable feedback for their final presentation and provided them with a unique opportunity for real work insights.
Angie Engelbert said: "Being able to respond to feedback is an integral part of working in the creative industries. It allows students to improve based on feedback and iterate before closing it out. I loved being part of the "pulse" being taken as the projects moved along."
The week culminated in a final showcase where the students presented their final pieces, offering a comprehensive breakdown of the creative process, decision-making and navigating the intricacies of working under pressure, adhering to briefs, and meeting deadlines.
Scott Peasey, Vice Principal at Southwark College, said: "Our students' successful participation in the NextGen Industry Challenge is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing more of their creations throughout the academic year.
"The challenge has provided our students with a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the expectations and demands of the creative industry. This experience has been transformative and helped our students grow academically and professionally. They have learned the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and meeting deadlines - all crucial skills that will serve them well in their future careers."
Noah Coffi, NextGen Diploma in Games Animation and VFX Skills student, said: "I found the challenge week very useful and enlightening. It offered me a small insider view of how working in the industry feels, especially working on an industry brief under pressure. I also learned the importance of communication and teamwork skills, which helped my team and me persevere through challenges to achieve an end product we were all happy with."
Southwark College works in partnership with NextGen Skills Academy to deliver Games, Animation and VFX courses. As part of the programme, students participate in challenges, industry masterclasses, live streams and more to help them develop their creative and technical skills and set them up for University, Higher Apprenticeships or starting their careers.
As Southwark College students shined in this immersive competition, the college remains committed to providing enriching experiences that equip them for success in the dynamic realm of Games, Animation, and VFX.
To find out more about our Creative Arts courses, visit southwark.ac.uk/media
