In an Australian first, Wyndham Tech School (WTS) is establishing a professional esports arena to help students learn about game development, cybersecurity, content creation and other IT subjects.
Thirty-four government and non-government schools across the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay municipalities will have access to the facility, to give students the practical experience they need to pursue a career in the billion-dollar international industry of esports – AKA electronic sports – and gaming.
An esports arena is a chain of indoor arenas and event centres dedicated to electronic sports and gaming.
The WTS facility will also teach students about esports entrepreneurship and allow them to participate in interschool esports competitions and events.
Industry partner BIG Esports has created a 10-week program to be delivered for students.
BIG Esports founder and chief executive Chris Smith said that as an employer in the field, gone are the days of seeking employees who have “regular” qualifications in marketing.
“Graduates need to have hands-on industry experience to stand out from the rest and thrive in positions,” he said.
“We’re here to make that happen and are proud to have partnered with Wyndham Tech School to make it a reality.”
Thomas Carr College has partnered with WTS as part of the esports pilot program.
Principal Craig Holmes said the college’s vision was to encourage studenys to become “global citizens”.
“New and emerging technologies provide an opportunity to connect, up-skill and broaden the frontiers for our students in partnership with WTS and their industry connectivity,” he said.
WTS director Gail Bray said the tech school was excited to partner with Big Esports and Thomas Carr College to provide something unique in Wyndham.
“The exposure to skills and technology that will ignite creativity in students inspires them to think about careers they may have never heard of or thought possible to obtain, both nationally and globally,” she said.
The state government last week announced $534,015 in funding for the WTS esports facility.
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said the funding would help equip a production studio with video cameras, green screen, lighting, laser 3D scanning, motion tracking equipment and microphones, for students to create digital content and assets.
Details: wyndhamtechschool.vic.edu.au
