Helping the next generation
We're big fans of working with local colleges and universities. If we can help the future generation of mobile games programmers and artists, then it's good for everyone.
Ciren call
And recently, we've had three students from our local Cirencester College in to work on live games that are soon to launch on the App Store. They're not stuck in the corner making coffee and updating their Facebook page - they're actually actively involved with other members of the Neon Play team on making real games, which is amazing experience for them.
Our local newspaper The Wilts and Glos Standard have written a great piece which you can read here.
Just in case...
If you're too lazy to click that link, we've copied and pasted the story below...
Neon Play lights the way for young app developers
A high-flying Cotswolds mobile app developer has teamed up with Cirencester College to train three computing students from Cirencester College have been undertaking work experience placements at Cirencester app developer Neon Play.
The firm's owner Oli Christie said he was pleased to be able to give budding young developers a taste for life in the booming industry. “A lot of the guys working here did start on work experience because it's a good way to try before you buy,” he said. “We're giving them time and energy and they're giving us their work – it’s a mutually beneficial agreement.”
Far from a regular work placement of photocopying and making tea, the students have been getting stuck in developing quiz apps which will be seen by potentially tens of thousands.
Oli said the students had been coming into the Tetbury Road office in their own time and even had the opportunity to work full-time at the company in the future. “I love giving young people work experience because I remember trying to get placements and just getting rejection letter after rejection letter,” he said. “They get a feel for what it’s like working in a real office and their CVs look so much better than if they worked in McDonalds. “We're just trying to find the best of the next generation.”
Jeevan Thandi, 17, one of the students on placement said he was delighted for the opportunity to work at Neon Play. “I've learned so much I wouldn't have been able to through college,” he said. “It's amazing that thousands of people will be playing something we created.”
Phillip Davies, 19, added to work as an app developer firm was his ultimate goal. “I looked at Neon Play before and I thought it was out of my league to approach them,” he said. “To be able to get in is probably the greatest achievement I could get.”
Cirencester College’s programme leader for e-learning and computing Oliver Smith said students had gained invaluable experience through their placements.
“We owe a great deal to partnerships with local businesses like Neon Play,” he said. “As well as the inspirational experience our students gain, we can ensure that the knowledge and skills we teach are relevant for today's workforce and the next generation of entrepreneurs.”
