Universally Speaking launches QA Academy to develop the next generation of games industry talent 
 
A free two-week Game Testing Skills Bootcamp in Liverpool is the first step of the new programme, giving ten local aspiring testers hands-on industry training 
 
Universally Speaking has launched its QA Academy to develop new talent, create opportunities to enter the video games industry and help meet the industry’s need for highly skilled Functional Quality Assurance (FQA) professionals. 
 
The Academy builds on Universally Speaking’s reputation for high-quality FQA and its track record of developing people who have gone on to successful careers in games testing and development, including roles at Rockstar Games, Sony and Lucid Games. 
 
FQA offers a practical route into the video games industry. Through the Academy, Universally Speaking aims to give aspiring testers the skills and industry knowledge to take that first step, while helping studios and publishers access a stronger pool of trained QA talent. 
 
The QA Academy will grow over time. Its first programme is a two-week Game Testing Bootcamp in Liverpool, beginning this October and delivered in collaboration with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. The first cohort will offer ten local aspiring testers hands-on industry training at no cost. 
 
Practical training for a career in games 
 
Based at Universally Speaking’s Liverpool studio, the bootcamp will be delivered by the company’s testing specialists. Participants will work across multiple consoles and platforms on practical, real-world FQA exercises designed to prepare them to take on a tester role within a professional game-testing team. 
 
Alongside technical training, participants will receive CV support, LinkedIn and job-market guidance, and one-to-one career advice on entering the games industry. 
 
Andrew Brown, CEO of Universally Speaking, said: “The QA Academy is about investing in the future of quality assurance and in people who want to build careers in games. FQA is a fantastic entry point into the industry. We have seen many people start in testing and go on to build great careers, and we want to create more of those opportunities. 
 
“We know what great games testing looks like and what studios need from their QA teams. Our aim is to pass that knowledge on and give talented people the practical skills to contribute to a game-testing team, while supporting the industry’s need for well-trained testers. 
 
“This first two-week bootcamp is just the beginning. We want the QA Academy to grow over time, creating opportunities for people and helping develop the talent the games industry needs.” 
 
Building on Liverpool’s games talent 
 
Universally Speaking has been the largest recruiter into the games industry in the Liverpool City Region for four years running. The QA Academy builds on that experience to create further opportunities for local talent. 
 
Who can apply 
 
The bootcamp is open to applicants aged 20 and over who live in the Liverpool City Region, have not taken part in a government-funded skills programme in 2026, and can score 70% or higher on the Gorilla aptitude test. Places are limited to ten per cohort. 
 
How to apply 
 
Click here to register your interest in joining the programme. Spaces are limited, so early applications are encouraged. 
 
Get involved as a Liverpool business 
 
Liverpool games businesses are invited to interview or hire graduates as they complete their training. To get involved, contact our team at qa.academy@usspeaking.com.