VR company boosts North West’s digital economy with job creation

International virtual and augmented reality company EON Reality has contributed to the digital economy of the North West with the creation of 10 new jobs.

All 10 of the software developers who have taken up positions at EON Reality’s European headquarters in Manchester are graduates of the company’s Virtual Reality Innovation Academy, which is also located in the city.

EON’s managing director, Ken Swain, commented: “Back in 2011 we chose Manchester for our European base because if its ambition to be one of the top global digital city by 2020.

“We believe our contribution is helping the city achieve this goal, particularly with the exponential growth of mobile platforms in this sector.

Ken added: “In September we will be welcoming our next intake of students to the VR Innovation Academy. This training leads to employment with EON Reality or another organisation specialising within the creative and digital content sector. So our students play a big part in Manchester’s future success as a leading digital city.”

Each year, the academy facility supports as many as 100 individuals who sign up to develop skills in programming, app creation and 3D/VR design and development. At the end of each programme, more than half of the successful students are hired by EON Reality.

The Academy course is aimed at those with a prior knowledge of 3D web media, digital content and programming,

Alex Everett, a new recruit from Salford who studied at Manchester Metropolitan University, commented: “The EON Reality course was fantastic. I was able to work on supervised live projects such as mobile and tablet applications and solar systems applications for education. The skills I picked up are going to be incredibly useful.

“To work for a global company based here in Manchester is a great opportunity and I can’t wait to start work.”

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