Game on as students engage with industry professionals

Our students had the chance to hear from a range of guest speakers, including professional Esports gamer David Addati, as part of the College’s Sport and Esports Industry Week.

The talks allowed students to explore potential careers within the sector, whilst developing the skills they need for Higher Education or employment.

The main activity of the week was an interactive workshop by professional Esports gamer David Addati. David has been playing competitively in Esports since he was 13 having early success in Quake Live and Call of Duty 4 in Australia, before starting his professional journey in Quake Champions.

“Industry weeks are extremely important to help our learners understand the different progression routes for their next steps.”

World European Champion and Paralympic wheelchair basketballer, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, visited the College for a practical workshop with Sports students to show them the skills required to play the sport.

Our very own Construction tutor, Ryan Fell, spoke to students about his strongman journey how he got into the sport, the training required, his diet and nutrition.

Over the course of the week, students heard from other speakers from a range of professional backgrounds. This included Tommy Siddall, a Personal Trainer; Stevan Parkin, Twitch Partner and business owner; Patryk Bialowas, Esports Wales – Football Game Team Manager; Kee Powell, Owner of SHRED; Paul Cummins, Director of Recreational Cricket at Yorkshire Cricket Board; Connor Rollinson, owner of NLY Community Sports; Tyler Wilson, Esports Lead and Vice Chair for Esports Trade Association; Joe Patterson, a Personal Trainer; Garin Dart, Co-Owner of Le Pommier Hotel in Guernsey and Nik Turner, Head of the Esports Trade Association and Director of NTEsports.

The sessions were organised by Lee Perks, Enterprise Team Leader at Barnsley College. Lee said: “Industry weeks are extremely important to help our learners understand the different progression routes for their next steps. Our Sports and Esports week was packed full of high-impact speakers that provided several different careers prospects for our students. A huge thank you to every one of our guests.”