Bishop Auckland College’s esports programme has received a huge double boost through an exciting new partnership with SimStaff, a leading European simulator provider.
As well as SimStaff agreeing to become technical partner of the College’s esports team for the upcoming Williams F1 Racing League season, the collaboration has also directly led to student Max Simmons securing an event technician’s role with the company.
This follows on from the College’s decision to enhance the esports training it provides by installing a new F1-style simulator, featuring top-tier equipment from Playseat and Fanatec. This impressive setup was installed by Josh Martin, the founder of SimStaff.
SimStaff will feature as the primary partner of the esports team, alongside other key partners, and they’re also backing Max’s new employment opportunity, providing invaluable real-world experience for the talented student.
Max, a 17-year-old Level 3 esports student, said: “It feels great, I don’t think it has fully sunk in. Josh Martin posted he had jobs available. I applied for it and a month later I got an interview.
“Now I’m just waiting for a training day and then it will be my first job after that.”
Max’s responsibilities will include building and maintaining simulators for events and clients, a task he’s already shadowed Josh on at the college.
Max said: “I have been playing games since I was two or three. Never stopped playing; they are a really important part of my life.”
Esports lecturer Jared Turner, programme lead for esports Carl Draper and student Max Simmons with the simulator. Pictures: BAC
His interest in professional esports dates back to 2016, and by late 2022, he delved into F1 racing, leading him to have his own simulator at home.
But the esports course at Bishop Auckland College is far more than just playing games.
Max said: “There is plenty of work behind it. The course provides valuable industry insights and speakers who come in; it is fantastic. I have learned so much and the college creates amazing opportunities for people on the course.”
And Carl Draper, programme lead for esports at Bishop Auckland College, is delighted the student has landed his first job and feels the opportunity is his reward for Max’s contribution to the programme.
Carl said: “Since Max came in, I knew he was a big racing simulator fan; he prides himself on that.
“What he loves the most is the racing simulator. He has actually raced Oscar Piastri, who is leading the standings in F1, as well as touring car riders. His experience is far wider than mine. I am quite driven to ensure our students have the best experience they can.”
Photos: BAC
SimStaff specialises in building high-quality racing simulators for various applications, from educational institutions and individual enthusiasts to large-scale corporate events and race venues across Europe.
Carl said: “Josh gave our students tasks and real-life examples, and spoke about KPI targets. We then discussed getting a racing simulator installed for our esports programmes. I worked with Max closely on what the best simulator was, and that was recently installed.
“We wanted as many partners as possible to help fund the teams we have and we were keen to make SimStaff the main one on the front of the jersey because Josh has been so inspirational to our students, like Max. Josh also donated a wheel as a thank you for putting us on the front of our polo shirts.”
The Bishop Auckland College esports team is set to compete in the prestigious Williams F1 Racing League next season, in partnership with British esports.
This national competition pits colleges from across the country against each other, with the grand final held at the Williams F1 garage’s dedicated esports racing room. This year’s winner even secured a trip to the United States to test esports cars.
Bishop Auckland College is currently the only college in County Durham competing in this high-profile league.
Josh, founder of SimStaff, said: “As the global powerhouse of Sim Racing, our ever-expanding network brings great value to the industry and our partners.
“This collaboration with Bishop Auckland College not only allows us to develop top talent in the North of England but offer tangible workplace opportunities to students with a passion for Sim Racing.
“The College’s investment into a racing simulator not only shows receptiveness to this emerging technology but gives students the skills and experience to develop careers in Sim Racing.
“A massive thank you to our partners at Corsair and Playseat for the hardware, and to Carl and the team at the College for having us involved. We can’t wait to see them on track.”
Applications are open for esports places next year, including a new Level 4 degree course, at Bishop Auckland College.
Carl said: “There are still places for Level 2, 3, and 4 courses. Come along and have a look at our rooms and the simulator throughout the summer.”
*For further information about Bishop Auckland’s courses check out bacoll.ac.uk
I am quite driven to ensure our students have the best experience they can.”
-Carl Draper, Programme lead for esports at Bishop Auckland College
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