About

A UK government-recognised games industry apprenticeship, run by Sumo Digital from our Sheffield studio and rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The Academy has established itself as a leading model for games industry training in the UK, combining the rigour of structured education with the immediacy and relevance of studio practice.

Approach

The Sumo Digital Academy is built around a teaching approach that prioritises applied learning, industry context and rapid skill development. Apprentices begin with an intensive period of full-time training before transitioning into a model that combines continued study with real production experience, working alongside experienced developers. This structure allows technical skills to be learned in context, linking areas such as mathematics, programming and engine development into a single, integrated practice.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed and delivered by industry professionals with over a century of combined game development experience, ensuring that training reflects current tools, workflows and expectations within game development. Apprentices work on collaborative projects that mirror real studio environments, developing both technical capability and the communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills required in production.

Outcome

The Academy has consistently achieved strong outcomes, including high completion and pass rates and a significant proportion of apprentices progressing into roles within the games industry. It has also played a measurable role in improving diversity within technical disciplines, supporting entrants from a wider range of academic backgrounds to succeed in programming careers.

The only UK game studio offering UK government-recognised technical apprenticeships. Awarded an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is the Sumo Digital Academy for?

A. The Sumo Digital Academy is aimed at graduates of non-games degrees who would not normally have the portfolio work to be considered for games programming roles. We would also consider talented applicants without a degree if they had an exceptional portfolio of hobbyist programming work.

Q. I am not a UK resident, can I apply?

A. International applicants must already be eligible to work in the UK.

Q. Where is it based?

A. The Sumo Digital Academy is based out of Sumo Digital’s Sheffield HQ, but “graduates” of the Academy are encouraged to find positions anywhere in the Sumo Group of companies.

Q. Can I work from home?

A. The Sumo Academy is based out of the Sumo Sheffield office and apprentices are expected to be in the office for most of the programme. Home or hybrid working on the apprenticeship would only be considered for specific personal circumstances (such as a disability).

Q. Will I get paid?

A. Absolutely. All of Sumo Digital’s internship roles are paid.

Q. When does the scheme run?

A. The programme typically runs for 18 months starting in January.

Q. I have already completed a degree in game programming — can I apply for this programme?

A. No — sorry! English apprenticeship programmes can only be used to train someone to perform a role for which they have not been previously trained.

Q. I have already completed a degree involving programming (E.g. Computer Science or Software Engineering), but not for games — can I apply for this programme?

A. Yes, but your prior learning will need to be considered as part of your application and the length of any apprenticeship may need to be shortened accordingly. If you have already studied C++ and have a degree in Computer Science then you would probably be better off applying directly for junior programming roles.

Q. I have already completed a degree in a different gaming discipline (E.g. Game Design or Game Art) — can I apply for this programme?

A. Yes, but your prior learning will need to be considered as part of your application and the length of any apprenticeship may need to be shortened accordingly.

Q. I have already completed a STEM degree which contained a programming module (E.g. Physics or Mathematics) — can I apply for this programme?

A. Yes, this programme is ideal for graduates with a STEM background who have some limited experience of programming.

Q. My degree didn’t involve any programming — can I apply for this programme?

A. Yes, provided that you meet the apprenticeship requirements and have done some introductory study into programming prior to applying

Q. I don’t have a degree — can I apply for this programme?

A. Yes, provided you meet the apprenticeship requirements (including being over 18), and have done some introductory study into programming prior to applying.

Q. I am already a professional programmer in a different industry — can I apply for this programme?

A. Yes, but the apprenticeship salary is non-negotiable.

Q. I don’t graduate until next year, can I apply for the DITP?

A. The DITP is a full-time opportunity for six weeks and isn’t compatible with full-time study.

Q. Can I work alongside the DITP?

A. The DITP is a full-time opportunity for six weeks and isn’t compatible with working another full-time job.

Q. I have already completed a degree in game programming - can apply for the DITP?

A. No, sorry! You need to be eligible for the apprenticeship to apply for the Diversity Internship Training Programme (see more on this above)/

Q. I have already completed a degree involving programming (E.g. Computer Science of Software Engineering), but not for games - can I apply for the DITP?

A. Yes but please refer to the Apprenticeship FAQ above for how this might affect any subsequent apprenticeship(s).

Q. I have already completed a degree in a different gaming discipline (E.g. Game Design or Game Art) - can I apply for the DITP?