A NORTH Pembrokeshire computer game designer has been urging youngsters to make the most of maths and science in school if they wish to follow him in his chosen field.

Pete Harries, from Newport, underlined the importance of STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – for those considering a career in computers and IT ahead of British Science Week, which takes place from March 10 to March 19.

Currently, 72 per cent of all UK businesses rely on people with STEM skills and it is estimated that one in five of all new UK jobs will be science related by 2022.

“I’ve always been interested in designing games,” said Pete, 29.

“As a youngster, I would spend hours drawing out different game levels onto reams of A4 paper.

“At school I loved science and IT and I’m glad I was encouraged to do well at these subjects.

“Having since graduated with a degree in Game Design from the University of Wales in Newport, I’m now a video game producer where good science, maths and IT skills are key – without these elements video games wouldn’t exist.

“I use my knowledge of light, colour composition and anatomy for the visual side of game design and maths and IT to design the gaming systems, scripting and timeframes as well as to make them suitable to play on smart phones, consoles and PCs.

“In today’s world, IT has permeated nearly all aspects of our lives, including music, film, photography, art and fashion.

“Science and maths help us understand computers and how to get from them exactly what we want.

“I feel really fortunate that I was encouraged to do well in STEM subjects at school, which has helped get me to where I am today.”