The Trailhead Program
Supports students and recent grads with hands-on experience, mentorship, and portfolio development to prepare them for jobs in the video game industry.
Overview
The gaming industry is a complex space that requires an understanding of both game development and business or commercialization to achieve success. Many game development companies looking for talent, review the portfolio of the applicant along with their relevant experience. For most recent graduates, it puts them at a disadvantage, as they have the ability to execute in their field of interest but are unable to provide a substantive portfolio project in their job applications.
Edmonton Screen recognized an opportunity to provide students with the chance to get hands-on industry experience, mentorship and get a project portfolio under their belt, to prepare them for jobs within the games industry.
Up to five project teams will be selected to take part in the program. Project teams will be made up of students or recent graduates of a video game development program or related design program at participating post-secondary universities and will receive the support to continue developing their projects into a fully commercialized game.
Program Objectives
The Trailhead Program aims to increase
- the number of Alberta post-secondary grads entering the local creative workforce after graducation
- the skill level and experience of local creators
- opportunities for local creatives to connect and build relationships
- visibility and recognition locally, nationally, and internationally