Animation, VFX & Games Graduate Traineeship 2026

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 applicants for the Traineeship Programme for Animation, VFX and Games 2026.

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 the programme will take place over an 11 week period from Monday, 31st August 2026.

What will this course cover?

Over 10 weeks, each trainee will work in-house, where they will receive on-the-job training (some trainees may be required to work remotely depending on each participating studio’s policy regarding remote working).

In addition to on-the-job training, the trainee will receive additional tailored training through Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and The National Talent Academies for Animation and VFX. This one-week induction training, before the 10-week programme, takes place online and runs from 31st August to 4th September.

Participants will be paid for the duration of the work placement element of the Traineeship (550 Euro gross per week for 10 weeks).

Dates and times of the course

• Application Deadline: Tuesday 30th June 2026
• All Applicants Updated by: 28th July 2026
• Induction Week: Monday, 31st August, 2026
• Traineeship Starts: Monday, 7th September until 13th November – 10 weeks

Participant profile

Applicants must be unemployed or underemployed to be eligible for this traineeship.

Applicants must be over 18 and demonstrate a genuine interest in Animation, VFX or Gaming. Full-time students are not eligible to apply.

Due to our funding, this course is only available to those resident in the Republic Of Ireland.

For any queries, please contact juliethouement@furthr.ie

Application process

Please note the following important points before applying:

• All candidates must be available on a full-time basis for the entire duration of the Traineeship, including the induction week.
• Part or all the placement may take place remotely. But the applicant must be based in the Republic of Ireland for the duration of the Traineeship.
• Only those who are shortlisted will be called for an interview.

Interested applicants should create an account and apply via the Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet website HERE

All applications will be evaluated and shortlisted for interview by a panel of industry experts, in consultation with Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and The National Talent Academies for Animation and VFX.

Closing date for application/enrollment

Application Deadline: Tuesday, 30th June 2026. All candidates will receive an update on their application by Tuesday, July 28th 2026.

Any queries can be sent to juliethouement@furthr.ie