PrintThe Bridge programme was set up to run short training courses to address or ‘Bridge’ the skills gap evident in the Games, Animation and VFX sectors between what education currently provides and emerging trends in the corresponding industry demands. As part of the programme, participants get to work in-house on live professional projects including short films, TV pilots, trailers for pitches and video games. They receive expert knowledge from industry leaders and focused mentoring from Dublin BIC.

Since ‘The Bridge’ started last year, the programme has delivered 22 industry ready specialists with on-the-job experience and an understanding of the specific requirements of the animation, gaming and VFX industries.  Results from ‘The Bridge’ 2013 have been very positive with one company formed by participants and 75% of students remaining active in the industry – whether through direct employment or continuing education.

The initiative was first conceived by Dublin BIC board member and former CEO of Havok, David O’Meara, in response to a skills shortage in the animation industry – with 44% of companies citing recruitment and staffing as their main business concern.  Demand for talent is now outweighing the supply, with many companies having to hire specialists outside of Ireland to support their work.

‘The Bridge’ programme is a collaboration between Animation Skillnet, the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin Business Innovation Centre (Dublin BIC) and creative industry players such as Treehouse Republic, Windmill Lane and Piranha Bar.  It is funded and supported by Animation Skillnet, Dublin BIC, Screen Training Ireland and the Irish Film Board.

Below is a short video from the Dublin BIC/Animation Skillnet closing presentation by participants on ‘The Bridge 2014′ programme 2nd October 2014 in the Guinness Enterprise Centre. You will see a few familiar faces.

We will let you know here on gd.ie about future courses and the next recruitment for the Bridge.