Cyfle - The training company for the creative media industries, Wales

DIGITAL DELTA 2

A 6 month part-time training scheme for digital media programmers and developers

August 2011 – January 2012

Digital Delta 2 has been a six month part time training scheme for six programmers and/or developers which aimed to –

• Enhance the skills of existing amateur and professional computer scientists and encourage them to further their careers within the Creative Media industry.

• Address the substantial skills shortage of web developers and games programmers whom currently take up employment outside of Wales.

The need for a developer/programmer training scheme is of paramount importance to the creative media industries in Wales, if we are to have a fighting chance in remaining competitive in the media industry at a global level.

There is a clear gap in the market for talented computer/digital programmers and developers to carve an exciting career in the creative industries, transferring their specialist knowledge and skills to a sector which thrives on innovative thinkers; the creative business opportunities are yet to be maximised by both parties.

The six individuals completing their training in January 2012 are – Robert Gapper; Edward Millington; Richard Grey; Benn Pearson; Paul Fry and Liam Williams. (seen here with Aled Bartholomew, Course Co-leader and Rhys Miles Thomas, Multiplatform Project Manager at Cyfle)

Digital Delta 2 Showreel - find out more about what was achieved on the training scheme.

All those who are eligible and who complete the course will receive the Post Graduate Certificate (PGCert) Professional Practice in the Creative Industries, awarded by the University of Glamorgan.

The scheme was funded by S4C, TAC, and is supported by Skillset Cymru.

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Structure of the Scheme

The main elements of the delivery structure for training has been –

• Five days per month classroom training – featuring practical technical and creative training provided by experienced industry professionals in their field in skills such as relevant programming and coding languages / masterclasses on responding to briefs / presentation skills
• 3 weeks per month remote study – including working on creative briefs, creating a functional prototype and testing
• Ongoing tutor and mentor support online
• Industry Briefs–
  • Damage Un Ltd – create an e-commerce and marketing website for a Welsh hip-hop programme
  • St Fagans: National History Museum – create a geo-located tour guide application to be used on site, to include information on various properties
  • Dinamo Productions – create an interactive online game for their children’s animated series, Abadas
  • CC4 – create a score-card and data collection application for a Golf App
  • Channel 4 – provide a proof of concept for a website and mobile App around their new food-related programme
  • Individual Briefs – each participant was tasked to create a copyright free interactive e-book, which was then presented to several publishers

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What the speakers/industry have said about Digital Delta 2 – Programmers and Developers

‘I couldn’t believe the level of the students, they were obviously very advanced before even starting and I was just so pleased with every aspect of what the students had to offer me, nothing of poor quality everyone knew their stuff already they just needed to hone their skills.’  Daniel Glyn, Damage Un Ltd – Industry Brief

‘No matter how much a person learns at college, it’s never quite the same as working for a production and working within a deadline, and how a person handles that with the added pressure that it involves. So it’s very important for us to have courses similar to what Cyfle offers.’  Owen Stickler, Dinamo Productions – Industry Brief

‘What’s really good about these courses is the fact that trainees have to work on real industry briefs, working for real companies. So they know that what they’re doing will be highly beneficial for them after they complete the course.’  Huw Owen, CC4 – Industry Brief

What the Participants have said about Digital Delta 2 – Programmers and Developers

‘I have learnt a huge amount: in terms of languages I had only ever done a bit of html and have been learning php, xml, flash, javascript etc. from scratch. When I reflect on what I consider “easy” now, then think back on my skill level 3 months ago, I can’t believe how much this course has taught me’ – Ed Millington

‘The training tutors have been really helpful and if there was anything I needed to know, they helped me with finding the answers I needed’ – Liam Williams

‘I found the MVC framework tutorials most useful. I have been trying to get my head round the concept for ages, and now I have!’ – Richard Grey

‘Good! I’ve been looking to learn more about particular mobile/web development technologies for some time and it’s difficult to prioritise which technologies to learn first. The course has enabled me to speed up this process, exercise knowledge of these technologies and deliver a final product to the client’ – Paul Fry

‘I’ve learnt lots over the past few months and appreciate all the support from everyone at Cyfle’ – Benn Pearson

‘Very helpful- has improved my presentation skills, learnt development languages that I would not have learnt at home or in the office, opened up options for employment’ – Robert Gapper

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Contact and further information –

For further information on the scheme contact -

Rhys Miles Thomas, Multiplatform Project Manager at Cyfle at rhys@cyfle.co.uk or on 029 2046 5533

Or for more information about Cyfle please contact -

Iona Williams, Chief Executive, Cyfle at iona@cyfle.co.uk or 01286 668003