The ‘Skills Gap’ in the Animation/VFX industry in Scotland

Mortimer, Jonathan; Richards, Kendall; Pilcher, Nick

Abstract

Integral to the Animation and visual effects (VFX) industry are graduates with industry focused skills. Yet, the industry is rapid and ever-changing, almost defying attempts to define it. How then should Animation/VFX, and indeed any subject of a similar nature, be taught to best prepare industry ready graduates? This paper describes Animation/VFX industry perceptions (n=18) of current Animation teaching in Further and Higher Education. Findings show a large ‘Gap’ in the ‘Skills’ required exists, but with multitudinous perceptions and understandings of what this ‘Skills Gap’ is. We suggest approaches to plug this gap through attributes and aptitudes that could be developed in students, in Lecturers, and in industry opportunities for students. Further, we outline how closer industry and education sector collaboration may be achieved. Nevertheless, we stress that without government policy initiatives and investment, the prospects for the sector, and by extension for those in a similar situation, appear bleak.

Citation

Mortimer, J., Richards, K., & Pilcher, N. (in press). The ‘Skills Gap’ in the Animation/VFX industry in Scotland. Animation,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 27, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jul 28, 2024
• Print ISSN: 1746-8477
• Electronic ISSN: 1746-8485
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Animation, Animation/VFX, Pedagogy, Skills Gap, Collaboration, Education & Industry