Vancouver Community College has received funding as part of a joint initiative to strengthen British Columbia’s position as a global hub for creative technology.
VCC received the capital from DigiBC in partnership with Netflix. The funding will support six seats in its Production for Animation and VFX Award of Achievement micro-credential.
The province “is a vital hub for the future of animation and VFX,” suggests Loc Dao, Executive Director of DigiBC.
But B.C.’s creative technology sector currently faces a “critical shortage of talent,” according to a statement, with some of the most important roles standing out among the least-filled.
“Production Coordinators and Managers are critical to any animation or VFX pipeline,” says Barbara Dawson, an instructor at VCC and owner of recruiting company CG Scout, yet “studios consistently report that these are the hardest roles to fill.”
By funding VCC’s dedicated micro-credential, DigiBC and Netflix aim to bolster B.C.’s animation and visual effects talent pipeline.
“VCC’s Production for Animation and VFX Award of Achievement micro-credential prepares learners for successful careers in animation and VFX production,” explains Adrian Lipsett, Dean of Continuing Studies at VCC.
The course “offers learners from all backgrounds the opportunity to build their skills and confidence within the production pipeline—whether they are recent grads, reskilling from adjacent industries, or looking to upskill in an existing creative role,” according to Lipsett.
Through the Production for Animation and VFX Award of Achievement micro-credential, earners acquire critical skills for the animation and VFX industry, including the interdependencies between people and processes within studio organizations; how to manage and lead production pipelines; and documentation, presentation, and communication skills.
The funding from Netflix and DigiBC “will enable more of B.C.’s talent pipeline to gain the skills needed to join this exciting field,” believes Moira Gookstetter, Executive Director of the VCC Foundation.
“We’re ensuring learners gain industry-ready skills that meet the evolving demands of B.C.’s creative technology workforce,” Gookstetter remarked.
“We are pleased to support VCC in creating the next generation of talent to ensure B.C. continues to be a leading location in animation and VFX worldwide,” Dao stated.
Applications are now open for the course starting in May 2026. Fully funded seats for the Award of Achievement will be allocated to the first six successful candidates.
Leave a Reply