Still image showing two floating robots in a workshop setting, taken from the 'Quick Fix' trailer created during the Blue Zoo x NextGen Virtual Animation Studio Bootcamp in November 2021. Images of Blue Zoo, NextGen and Ufi VocTech Trust logos.

NextGen Creative Skills Hub

Take your Games, Animation and VFX learning and skills to the next level with the NextGen Creative Skills Hub, part of the Mayor's Academies Programme

The Mayor of London is helping Londoners to access jobs and skills opportunities, to get the support they need to reskill as a first step towards a new career. The NextGen Creative Skills Hub is working on a calendar of short courses, bootcamps, employment advice, and further training to prepare Londoners for work in the Games, Animation and VFX sectors, wherever they currently are on their career journey.

NextGen is working with studios in London’s bustling creative industries to ensure all training opportunities meet their skills and employability needs. So, you can be assured that all training provided is industry approved and will be designed to help you gain the skills needed to enter employment. Read on for current courses and sign-up our Hub Newsletter to receive updates on new learning and training opportunities.

Grey text logo that reads: Support by Mayor of London
The NextGen Creative Skills Hub is funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as part of the Mayor’s Skills Academies Programme.
Work in progress image of a conveyor belt animated asset created using Blender.Work in progress image of a workshop environment created in Blender during the first Blue Zoo x NextGen Virtual Animation Studio Bootcamp

Eligibility and Expression of Interest for all Hub Courses and Training

All training run through the NextGen London Hub will be open to learners 18+ who live within the Greater London Authority Area.

Among other activities there will be specific courses for career changers, those looking to consolidate their existing skills before starting an apprenticeship or employment, and fundamental skills programmes for those starting their journey in the industry.

If you want to be kept informed and the first to hear when the NextGen Creative Skills Hub launches please leave your email via our Expression of Interest Form below.

Expression of Interest Form

Employers and Education Partners – Get involved!

If you are a studio, employer, or educational organisation interested in finding out more about the NextGen Creative Skills Hub we’d love to hear from and work with you! Simply email Shannice McCalla, Hub Programme Manager, and she will be in touch.

This exciting programme is funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as part of the Mayor’s Skills Academies Programme and is delivered by NextGen Skills Academy in partnership with Southwark College and Barnet and Southgate College.

Employers - Unlock opportunities by offering an INSPIRE Work Placement!

NextGen Skills Academy, a key player in the Mayor of London's Skills Academies Programme, is calling on visionary employers to participate in our INSPIRE Work Programme. Together, we can provide invaluable work placements and empower under-represented Londoners through up-skilling and practical experience.

As an employer, you have the chance to make a lasting impact by offering a part-time four-week paid work placement. Participants are paid at the London Living Wage for 16-hours per week, to a total cost of £768.00. What's more, for every student you take on, NextGen will fund another, so you can offer two inspiring work placements in your industry for one payment! NextGen handles all recruitment, and will provide all successful applicants with two-weeks employability training to make sure they are ready to get the most out of their placement.

By providing match funding and this opportunity, you help break down barriers and ensure accessibility to underrepresented Londoners. Join us today in creating meaningful change and shaping a diverse, talented workforce for the future of the creative industry.

Transform lives and inspire the industry – simply email Shannice McCalla, Programme Manager to find out more!