Frequently Asked Questions
General
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.
About the Games Programming Apprenticeship
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.
About the Diversity Internship Training Programme
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?
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 STEM degree which contained a programming module (E.g. Physics or Mathematics) - can I apply for the DITP?
A. Yes this programme is ideal for graduates with a STEM background who have some limited experience in programming.
Q. My degree didn’t involve any programming - can I apply for the DITP?
A. Yes, provided that you meet the requirements and have done some introductory study into programming prior to applying.
Q. I don’t have a degree - can I apply for the DITP?
A. Yes, provided you meet the 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 the DITP?
A. Yes, but the salary is non-negotiable.
