DigiBC, the Creative Technology Industry Association of British Columbia, announced the launch of an innovative pilot program aimed at creating new work placement opportunities for post-secondary students in the creative technology sector within BC.
The Work Placement Pilot Project will provide students with access to well-managed work placements, along with the additional resources and connections they need to launch a successful career in animation, visual effects, video games, or extended reality. Participating employers will benefit from support structures to make hiring and onboarding students easier and more accessible than ever.
Beginning in September 2024, the program will provide 170 student placements at creative technology companies across the province over 16 months. Students participating in the program will have access to customized orientation workshops, e-learning resources, mentoring support, and the opportunity to start building their professional network in the industry.
VCC CS and Digi BC are continuing their multi-year partnership with this new initiative.
CS’ involvement includes leading consultations with relevant industry members, including gaming and animation studios, to understand industry best practices around student and new graduate onboarding. The college will also develop content to mitigate onboarding challenges for studios taking on students in work placements, thereby contributing to operational efficiency, cost-savings, and improved employee experience.
CS will also utilize their rapid development model to create content to meet emerging market needs and alleviate pressure on workplace training systems. The content will be delivered to several cohorts in a short-form, workshop-style course to complement students’ learning in the VCC’s existing DigiBC partnered Awards of Achievements in Gaming and Animation and VFX.
This exciting new program from DigiBC represents an investment in the future of British Columbia’s vibrant creative technology sector. By providing students with valuable work experience and employers with support to hire and nurture promising talent, the Work Placement Pilot Project intends to strengthen our province’s standing as a global hub for innovation in creative technology.
