Showcasing Impact: Think Employment & NECA Partnership Case Study

Think Employment is proud to partner with the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to drive economic growth and enhance skills across Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, and the wider region. Our collaboration focuses on delivering government-funded, Ofsted-approved training designed to meet local needs and close critical skills gaps. This page highlights the genuine NECA partnership impact through a specific success story, demonstrating how targeted training leads to positive outcomes for individuals and supports the North East’s vibrant economy. Learn more about the Think Employment and NECA partnership.

Addressing Regional Needs: Developing Digital Talent in the North East

The North East boasts a rapidly growing digital and creative sector, a key pillar of the region’s £40 billion economy. To sustain this growth, there’s a clear need for individuals equipped with the latest technical skills. Recognising this, the Think Employment NECA collaboration offers targeted programmes like the Games Design course in the North East. This funded training opportunity provides learners with practical, industry-standard expertise in tools like Unreal Engine 5 and Blender, directly addressing the requirements for regional workforce development NECA has identified.

NECA Funded Training in Action: A Learner Success Story

The effectiveness of our approach is best illustrated through the achievements of our learners. Here is just one example demonstrating the positive results generated through funded courses in the North East:

A Learner's Journey: Breaking into Games Design (Anonymous)

Background & Goal

Holding a university degree and some 3D CAD experience, this learner aimed to transition into the competitive Games Design industry but needed specific technical skills. They enrolled in the Skills Bootcamp, seeking practical expertise available through government-funded training in the North East.

The Experience

The 16-week Skills Bootcamp in Games Design, supported by NECA, provided intensive, hands-on training in Unreal Engine 5, Blender, level design, and asset creation. The collaborative Game Jam was a key highlight, allowing the learner to apply skills and build a professional portfolio. The robust support provided through the NECA partnership, including networking opportunities, was invaluable.

The Outcome

Finishing the Skills Bootcamp didn’t just mean gaining technical skills; it translated into real achievements and a significant confidence boost. The learner left equipped with industry-ready expertise and a clear path forward:

Mastered key industry tools, acquiring expertise in blueprints and creating interactive models using Unreal Engine.
Built an impressive portfolio of projects, demonstrating their technical capabilities and creative flair to potential employers.
Expanded their professional network by actively participating in industry networking events facilitated by Think Employment.
Secured a rewarding tutoring position shortly after the course, teaching coding and 3D animation – putting their new skills to immediate use, helping others.
They felt genuinely empowered by their newly developed skills, enabling them to assist aspiring learners while continuing their professional growth in game design and 3D animation.

Reflecting on their journey, the learner shared:

“The Skills Bootcamp is educative, and they have nice staff who are very receptive to helping me, which made me more receptive to helping me find a new role. I have attended networking events and made good connections within the gaming industry, and I’m hopeful I will develop my career further in the coming years.”

Broader Impact of the Think Employment & NECA Collaboration

This individual’s success represents the broader impact of the NECA partnership. By providing relevant, high-quality training, we are helping to build a skilled workforce ready to contribute to the North East’s key sectors. Beyond Games Design, the Think Employment NECA collaboration delivers vital funded training in the North East in areas such as Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, and courses for Teaching Assistants, further supporting regional workforce development NECA goals and offering diverse pathways for residents. See more partnership impact stories.

Explore Funded Training Opportunities in the North East

Are you ready to start your own success story or empower your workforce in the North East? Discover the range of funded courses North East offers through the Think Employment and NECA partnership.