Guild launches esports BTEC with SCL Education

British esports organization Guild Esports has launched an initiative for education surrounding competitive gaming.

The venture: It's a new direction for Guild Esports to explore.

• The organization, in which David Beckham owns a minority share, has launched Guild College.
• The initiative has spawned from a four-year partnership with UK-based education provider SCL Education.
• Its new partner will provide a one-year BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Esports and a two-year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Esports for students over 16 years of age.
• The course includes 600 hours of guided learning hours per student and provides them with access to Guild's London facility for technical and practical workshops.

The course: Esports education is a controversial topic in the UK.

• Guild Esports will receive a "four-figure sum" from SCL Education for every student that joins the BTEC.
• They're expecting 125 students to enrol in the course in its first year. The programme will be managed by SCL Education, meaning Guild will have "minimal additional spend" and no need to hire new employees.
• "Our pioneering course leverages Guild's position as one of Europe's leading team organisations and will furnish learners with the opportunity to obtain a Level Two Diploma to support their career ambitions," said Guild Chief Executive Kal Hourd.