What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a structured learning program that combines practical work experience with formal training. It is typically undertaken by someone who has just completed their secondary education or is looking for a career change.
The apprentice works alongside a mentor, gaining hands-on experience in the workplace while also receiving guidance and support.
In game development, apprenticeships can last from several months to several years depending on the role. They usually begin with a formal contract between the apprentice and the employer, outlining the terms of the program, including the job duties, training, and wages.
The apprentice then works alongside an experienced game developer, gaining experience in the day-to-day tasks involved in creating games.
Benefits of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships offer many benefits to both the apprentice and the employer. For the apprentice, it provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while also learning new skills.
It can be a stepping stone to a full-time job in the industry or a way of gaining knowledge that can be applied to other areas of their career.
For employers, apprenticeships are a cost-effective way of training future employees. They can also help to fill shortages in certain roles and provide the organization with skilled workers who are already familiar with its processes and procedures.
Real-Life Examples of Successful Game Development Apprentices
There are many examples of successful game development apprentices who have gone on to become well-known developers in the industry. Some of them include:
- John Carmack
- Shigeru Miyamoto
- Gabe Newell
John Carmack
As mentioned earlier, John Carmack began his career as an apprentice at Soft disk in 1983. He then went on to work for id Software, where he developed Wolfenstein 3D and many other games that are still popular today.
Shigeru Miyamoto
Shigeru Miyamoto is the founder of Nintendo, one of the most successful video game companies in the world. Miyamoto began his career as an apprentice at Daitokuji Temple, where he studied calligraphy and pottery. He then went on to work for a company called Nintendo, where he created many iconic games such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Pikachu.
Gabe Newell
Gabe Newell is the co-founder of Valve Corporation, which developed popular games such as Half-Life and Portal. Newell began his career as an apprentice at IBM, where he worked on early versions of the Linux operating system. He then went on to work for Microsoft before starting his own company with his brother, Alex.
Conclusion
Apprenticeships in game development offer a unique opportunity to learn and gain experience in the industry while also gaining valuable work experience. Successful apprentices like John Carmack, Shigeru Miyamoto, and Gabe Newell have gone on to become renowned developers in the industry and have made significant contributions to the field. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in game development, an apprenticeship may be just what you need to get started.