Expression of Interest – Animation, VFX & Games Graduate Traineeship 2025

Overview

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, in collaboration with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, The National Talent Academies for Animation and VFX and Skillnet Ireland’s Skills Connect Scheme, are currently seeking studios/companies interested in taking on trainees for the Graduate Traineeship Programme for Animation, VFX and Games 2025.

The Traineeship, which has been running since 2016, has a strong track record with over 90% of participants going on to gain further work in the industry either with their host studio or with another studio. Additionally, according to the First Steps in the Animation Industry report, over 90% of respondents also said that the Traineeship adequately prepared them for the professional workplace and that they would recommend it to prospective new entrants.

Applications are now open and will take place over a 10 week period from Monday, July 21st.

How does it work for studios/companies?

There are a number of changes to the Animation, VFX & Games Graduate Traineeship for 2025:

• The Traineeship work placement duration is now 10 weeks.
• The Traineeship programme is managed by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, in collaboration with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and The National Talent Academies for Animation and VFX.
• Companies/studios now pay trainees 550 Euro per week for the 10 weeks directly with 50% of the 550 Euro per week covered by the NTAs.
• Overall cost to companies/studios for the programme is €3,250.
  

Key Steps:

1. Applications Close, Friday, June 6th
2. Applications Review: companies/studios review and if applicable, contact and interview participants.
3. Trainee Offers: if they are given sign off by CCIS/SI/NTA, companies/studios make an offer to the applicant.
4. Induction Week: Trainees begin the Induction Week, July 14th to 18th
5. Traineeship Begins: Trainees begin a 10-week Traineeship, Monday, July 21st to Friday, September 26th

Financial Process Summary:

• First payment: from you to CCIS – €500 As soon as trainees accept their placement, Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet (CCIS) will send companies/studios an invoice for €500 per trainee as your contribution to the training. This will cover the cost of the induction week of training, the admin/management costs of the programme, the application process and support with shortlisting/selection.
• Second payment: from The NTA to you – €2,750 The National Talent Academy (either Animation or VFX) will pay companies/studios 50% of the salary cost for each trainee, amounting to 275 Euro per trainee for 10 weeks, €2,750 Euro per trainee. Each studio/company will cover the other €2,750 of the trainee salary and pay the trainee 550 Euro per week (minus any required deductions) for 10 weeks, €5.500 in total.

If interested, please complete the form below. Any queries can be sent to seansmith@furthr.ie