Gaming paths for jobs

Gaming can be a hook into a whole world of possibilities for teenage enthusiasts to turn their fun into a career, according to Highlands Local Learning and Employment Network Brendan O’Connell.

Using virtual reality to help people overcome phobias is just the beginning.

Graphic designers, sound technicians, program developers can stem from gaming.

Get into Games career expo is fully subscribed with 300 students from high schools in Ballarat, Bendigo and Bacchus March set to explore gaming as a legitimate and viable career option.

Mr O’Connell said students could meet with professionals across a whole range of industry and see demonstrations at the Ballarat Mining Exchange next month.

“Gaming can lead into all sorts of different pathways and this expo also shows kids there are different pathways from university and TAFE courses they can take,” Mr O’Connell said. “It’s about sparking their interest and getting them thinking...linking up the pathways on how to get there.”

The expo will feature presentations and interactive features from the Game Developers’ Association of Australia on current and future industry demands.

City of Ballarat is hosting the expo in partnership with GDAA, GUF Games, Federation University Australia and leading technology employers.

The City’s economic development officer Leon Underwood said the expo was just as much about reinforcing Ballarat as a major technology hub as it was about helping the region’s youth.

“Ballarat is known as a smart city in the ICT (information and communications technology) world,” Mr Underwood said.

“In five years’ time there is an expected 25 per cent increase in ICT jobs. It’s timely we meet the workforce of tomorrow...There is so much capability for Fed Uni in this space. This (expo) helps in keeping regional talent local.”