Animation students at Capilano today received some long-awaited good news.

The Province is funding an additional 50 seats in animation programs to give students the creative and technical skills to get good-paying jobs in the booming tech industry.

“The last significant investment in tech programming at our public post-secondary institutions was more than 10 years ago,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Additional tech spaces at Capilano University are among thousands of tech spaces we’re adding to improve people’s access to education, and support the tech sector with more homegrown talent.”

Funding of $100,000 will allow Capilano University to start planning for additional spaces in the 2D animation and visual effects diploma program, as well as for more spaces in the 3D animation diploma program.

“With technology driving sustainable growth in every region of B.C., access to skilled talent is essential for B.C.’s thriving tech sector,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “B.C. is home to an internationally recognized gaming cluster, so the more students that are trained in this discipline, the greater the talent available to companies so they can grow, prosper and generate good jobs.”

“Capilano is an amazing university that gives students every tool needed to excel in the animation industry,” said Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale. “Adding more seats in the 2D and 3D animation programs opens the door for more students to access training that will help them produce stunning visuals for computer games, television and feature films.”

The first 25 additional spaces for the two-year diploma programs will become available in 2019-20, ramping up to 50 spaces in 2020-21. It’s expected there will be 14 new spaces in the 2D animation and visual effects diploma program, and 36 new spaces in the 3D animation program. Once the spaces are fully implemented, funding is expected to increase to $500,000 annually.

“The demand for high-quality animation and visuals has fuelled the phenomenal growth of the computer animation industry over the last decade,” said Paul Dangerfield, president of Capilano University. “The Province’s support will allow us to expand access to artists and animators wanting to develop their artistic and technical skills to succeed in a very exciting industry.”

The diplomas focus on drawing, design and animation techniques in preparation for a career in the animation industry. The 2D program teaches students about production methods using the latest technology as well as the classical method of pencil on paper. Core courses include life drawing, animation, character design, storyboard and layout design and digital 2D animation. Many graduates go on to successful careers in TV animation or learn skills to ensure success in further 3D studies.

The 3D animation diploma program teaches students how to use advanced-animation software, and develop the artistic skills necessary for a career in the animation and computer graphic industries.

“It’s good to see the provincial government increasing funding to open more seats in the animation diploma programs at Capilano University,” said Evan Terlesky, second-year student in the 2D animation and visual development diploma program. “With this training, students will be able to apply skills and creativity to in-demand jobs in an industry they are highly motivated to be a part of.”

“The need for animation artists in Vancouver has never been greater and our industry is looking for artists that apply strong skills and knowledge using the latest technology,” said Florian Wagner, supervising director for Bardel Entertainment. “By providing additional funding for Capilano University’s animation diploma programs, the provincial government is investing both in the growth of our creative industry, and in young artists preparing to build their careers in this field.”

The Province is adding 2,900 tech-related spaces throughout B.C. to produce 1,000 additional tech-grads a year by 2023. This includes tech spaces in a number of niche programs including the 2D and 3D animation diploma programs at Capilano University.

The tech sector in B.C. is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy generating approximately $29 billion in revenue, supporting over 106,000 good-paying jobs with more than 10,200 businesses.

Over 83,400 tech-related jobs openings are expected by 2027, such as computer programmers, engineers and information system analysts, as well as digital and software designers.

In partnership with its Crown agency, the BC Innovation Council, the B.C. government is hosting the province’s third #BCTECH Summit, May 14-16, 2018. The event is the largest technology conference in Western Canada, showcasing cutting-edge innovation and the latest tech solutions.

The summit will provide networking, investment and career opportunities in B.C.’s thriving tech sector. To register or learn more, go to: https://bctechsummit.ca