Starting this academic year, SintLucas has launched a new programme called Immersive Experience. The vocational school started this new programme because the demand for performing specialists is increasing due to the emergence of new technologies. Students receive practical training in the heart of the field: at Enversed Studios at Strijp-T.
Immersive experience
The emergence of immersive technologies (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality and 360-degree video) has led to the creation of a professional group focused on “immersive solutions”. This field offers experiences that combine the real world and the virtual world. Immersive technologies are crucial for education, training and realistic interactive simulations, among other things, and are already widely used in various (shortage) sectors, including education, healthcare, construction, real estate and architecture. The professional group (the practitioners) of immersive solutions is mainly found in the creative sector, which includes the media, gaming and entertainment sectors.
The Netherlands needs specialists who not only understand this technology, but who can use it to create something of value. That is why SintLucas, as a leading vocational school for creativity and technology, is one of the first to embrace this development.
Developed in collaboration with the business community
This new programme has been developed in collaboration with the business community. As a result, the skills and projects are seamlessly aligned with the professional field. Students not only learn to work with a wide range of interactive techniques, but also how to tell a compelling story. That is why they also take courses in colour theory, storytelling and psychology. They learn how to develop ideas and work with 3D interactive software (e.g. Unreal Engine and Blender) and spatial sensors (physical computing) to create interaction in space. An added bonus for students is that these subjects are offered in a learning environment at Enversed Studios.
Tim van der Grinten, Creative Director at Enversed Studios: ‘An immersive programme is important because we want education to prepare the younger generation for the future, and we know that this emerging sector will have a major impact on the way we work, relax, learn and connect.’
Inkblot effect in educationThe teaching material and experiences gained by SintLucas in the Immersive Experience programme are also incorporated into other programmes. This ensures that all programmes remain up to date thanks to the inkblot effect of the Immersive Experience programme. This is necessary in order to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing society. With its “Technology as a Partner of Creative Makers” practoraat, the SintLucas Expertise Centre focuses on research to increase knowledge about the field of XR and to achieve intensive collaboration with the business community.
Unique national collaboration OASIS
OASIS stands for Organised Advancement of Specialists in Immersive Solutions and aims to bring education and business together. SintLucas is collaborating with five leading vocational colleges and twenty-two Dutch media, gaming and entertainment companies. This major national collaboration, which focuses on training Dutch specialists in immersive technology, for which there is a great need, is supported by a grant from the Regional Investment Fund for Vocational Education.
Samenwerken met SintLucas?
Om studenten te helpen de stap van school naar arbeidsmarkt nóg beter te maken, werken we graag samen met organisaties. Helemaal in dit snel veranderende vakgebied, waarin ontwikkelingen razendsnel gaan, is dit belangrijk. Heb je een project, stageplaats of andere manier waarop je wil bijdragen om studenten het toekomstige werkveld te laten ervaren? Dan komen we graag met je in contact.
