Following its successful debut run, the groundbreaking scholarship from Access Creative College (ACC), LocalGlobe and local technology startup Condense is set to return for its second installment at ACC Bristol.
The 12-week course is aimed at widening diversity within the tech industry – focusing on recruiting women and people of colour; groups that are heavily underrepresented in the sector. Entry for applications opens on 1 July 2023 with further information available here.
A successful inaugural Condense scholarship
Earlier this year, four local Bristol creatives set off on a 12-week tech scholarship, learning how to bring live events to virtual spaces in a unique curriculum taking in 3D modelling, VFX, virtual worlds and more.
The first run of this scholarship was hugely successful, with one of the scholars, Olivia, receiving a role at Condense upon completion of the course. Bristol-based Olivia, 24, now works as an Account Manager at the company, and shared her experiences on the scholarship below:
“When I first saw the Condense Scholarship, I was instantly excited about the opportunity of being taught something that felt so futuristic and groundbreaking that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn otherwise. I’ve been interested in the tech industry for years but after finishing my Psychology Degree, I wasn’t sure how I could get into the industry without paying for another course.
“As someone who is passionate about psychology, I was interested in how this new advancement in technology would impact our society. I knew that participating in the Condense Scholarship would allow me to broaden my horizons, learn some incredible new skills, and contribute to shaping the future.
The scholarship empowers individuals from under-represented backgrounds to learn new technical skills. By utilising different perspectives, it broadens the scope for creativity. When new perspectives and experiences are introduced, it opens the doors to groundbreaking advancements as well as meaningful societal impact.”
Olivia and her fellow scholars were selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants, based on their passion and engagement, as much as their knowledge and skills. The tech industry is competitive, and to succeed it’s important to be engaged in what’s happening.
“I went into the scholarship eager to learn as much as I could and thanks to our brilliant lecturers, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I learned in a short space of time. I did a fair amount of research on Condense, including following them on Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube to see what they were creating.
“I also read lots of articles written about the company with their upcoming events and advancements in the live streaming of volumetric video. Condense’s cutting-edge innovation positions me as a well-rounded candidate for many roles within the industry.”
To create their virtual spaces, the scholars used 3D modelling software and the latest industry standard equipment including virtual reality headsets and collaborative platforms in bespoke labs at ACC Bristol. At the end of the 12 week programme, the scholars gave a presentation of their work and were beamed into their own virtual space as a 3D video using Condense’s rig.
Opening in 2019, Access Creative College Bristol is a state-of-the-art building that specialises in media, games, eSports, music and computing college courses. The refurbished centre, based in the heart of the city on Broadmead, has been designed to be as bright, colourful, and innovative as Bristol, a city with a constantly thriving creative scene that was also named one of the UK’s fastest growing tech hubs in 2021. ACC Bristol has strong links with incredible local industry powerhouses including Future Publishing, Airbus, Hippodrome, Flamingo, Future, Rough Trade, Hip-Hop Coffee Shop and Wake the Tiger.
The Condense scholarship reopens for applications on 1 July 2023 with the aim of continuing to drive diversity in the sector and provide more trained staff to local tech employers. All applications are welcome, with applications particularly encouraged from people from minority backgrounds and women. Apply here now!
