Case Study

Tarik’s game changing course

18 Aug. 2026

Tarik is an avid video gamer and budding games designer from Hackney. Combining his interest in photography, travel, and debating with a degree in games design, he’s keen to break into the gaming industry as a narrative designer or strike out as a self-employed content creator. A new partnership between Ingeus and Game Academy is taking him a step closer.
 
Tarik joined the Restart Scheme in London for employment support in 2025. Along with help to develop his CV, professional online profile, and job searching, he found part-time work in an esports arena and was referred for a place on a new six-week gamers’ development programme: Play Games, Build Careers.

Harnessing the in-game and technical skills of gamers, Ingeus partner Game Academy power up their programme with personal development and employability sessions, layered with tech industry experts and employers. It was a step on from his academic studies, says Tarik: 

“The Game Academy course gave me real industry knowledge. We worked on a live group project and had great guest speakers – all completely different and with varied roles. We met with employers across lots of tech industries and were given self-employment advice too.

“The group leaders were awesome. The nicest thing about the gaming industry is that the people working in it are gamers themselves. They’re like-minded people, like on the course.”

Tarik, who is 28 and completed the programme to gain a Level 2 IT User Skills qualification, now hopes to turn his gaming passion into a profession: 

“With help from Game Academy and the Restart Scheme, I’ve developed my online presence and understand much more about making valuable connections through networking. It’s real-world job knowledge and it’s already paying off. I’ve just finished two projects, one that came to me via LinkedIn. It may not be a full time job yet but I’m building a strong portfolio.” 

The skills, confidence and industry connections Tarik developed through the programme helped him build his experience and strengthen his portfolio. He has now successfully secured a role as a Gaming Hub Co-Ordinator with Red Bull Gaming Sphere, working in the software and coding sector.

For Tarik, the opportunity represents an exciting step into the industry he has always wanted to be part of and demonstrates how specialist training, employability support and determination can help turn a passion into a career.

Game on, Tarik!