Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, The National Talent Academies for Animation and VFX, and Skillnet Ireland’s Skills Connect Scheme, are delighted to announce the participants and host studios for the 2026 Animation, VFX & Games Traineeship.
Running since 2016, the traineeship has a strong track record of supporting graduates and those returning to the industry as they take their next steps into the sector, with over 90% of participants going on to secure further employment in the industry, either with their host studio or another studio. The programme has also demonstrated its value in preparing graduates for professional life, with over 90% of respondents to the First Steps in the Animation Industry report stating that the traineeship adequately prepared them for the workplace and that they would recommend the programme to prospective entrants/returners.
Designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled talent entering Ireland’s creative screen sectors, the 2026 programme will run over 10 weeks. The trainees will gain practical, on-the-job experience and mentoring within their host studios, alongside specialist training delivered by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet and The National Talent Academies for Animation and VFX.
This year’s traineeship attracted a highly competitive field, with around 270 applications received. The strong response highlights the continued demand for structured pathways into the industry, both for those starting out and those looking to return, as well as the importance of programmes that enable participants to gain meaningful industry experience and develop the skills needed to progress or resume their careers.
The nine participating studios and eleven trainees for the Traineeship Programme of 2026 are:
- SSVFX: Lucas de Melo Bernardino
- Cartoon Saloon: Niamh Asple and Erin Browne
- Avalon Films: Alan O’Brien
- JAM Media: Reuben Semple
- Enbarr: Dáire McAuliffe and Kinga Gorak
- Monster Theory: Vladyslav Shlapik
- StoryToys Ltd: Jacob McConnell
- Elephant & Goldfish: Sean Hickey
- Giant: Anoop Akampadath