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Local students score gaming industry experience with Ipswich games studio

News

Over twenty Suffolk New College students have gained valuable experience through month-long internships at Alarming Ladder, an indie games studio based in Ipswich.

The big picture: The internships offered by Alarming Ladder aim to boost students' skills and employability in the UK's £7 billion gaming industry.

Graduates from gaming internship at University of Suffolk
Over twenty Suffolk New College students completed a 1-month internship at Alarming LadderDan Wiltshire

Key details:

  • Alarming Ladder was founded by Dan Wiltshire, 23, a University of Suffolk graduate, along with several other UoS graduates

  • Over 20 Suffolk New College students worked on "Wrestler Rush", a first-person shoot-em-up wrestling game set to launch in 2026

  • The internship included creating ideas, artwork and promotional content

  • Participants received industry talks, certificates, and networking opportunities

Why it matters: The programme connects local students with real-world experience in a competitive and growing field.

What they're saying: Dan Wiltshire, founder of Alarming Ladder: "Long term [I hope] to continue to make games, put them out, reinvest in the local area and help other young people gain careers in gaming."

Julian Hasson, Games Arts student: "Working with Alarming Ladder has allowed me to experience the industry, learn valuable skills and connect with the local game scene."

Nick Thomas, Games Development Lecturer at the University of Suffolk: "We are thrilled to see the Alarming Ladder graduates go on to have such great success since graduating from the University of Suffolk."

The bottom line: This initiative demonstrates how local companies can play a crucial role in developing talent and fostering growth in Ipswich's tech sector.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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