Junior Animator Apprentices learn the skills to create animated assets and content, by producing the motions, gestures, expressions and performance of two- or three-dimensional characters and inanimate objects. This brand new route into the animation industry has options to study 2D Animation, Stop-Motion Animation, 3D Animation, and Interactive media and immersive reality, to accommodate a candidate’s interests and specialism, plus differing studio needs and styles of animation.
Whichever option you choose to follow you’ll be learning on the job in leading animation studios. As this is a Junior Entry Level role, successful candidates will work closely with the Animator, Animation Lead, Supervisor and Director, along with clients and team members on real productions. This is a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship which lasts for roughly 18 months plus an End Point Assessment, they're comparable to the first year of a degree. For this reason, Government funding for an Apprenticeship isn't available for people who already hold a degree in Animation or a related subject. However, if you don't have a Animation degree, or are considering leaving University, then this could be the opportunity for you.
For a detailed description of the roles please read the full Junior Animator Apprenticeship Standard.
The Junior Animator Apprenticeship Standard was created by a trail blazing group of employers, led by ScreenSkills, so you know that everything you learn on the apprenticeship is industry designed and approved. You’ll be learning the up-to-date technical and soft skills needed to work in the animation industry.
Employers involved in creating the standard include British Animation Awards, Tiger Aspect, Framestore, Lupus Films, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Aardman Animations, Red Kite Animation, Cartoon Network, Studio Liddell, Mackinnon and Saunders, Wildseed Studios, Hit Entertainment/Mattel Inc, Passion Pictures, CBB, A&O Studios Ltd, Collingwood & Co.
Previous Junior Animator Apprentices placements were in studios including Blue Zoo, DNEG, Sainsburys, Framestore, Jellyfish Pictures, Kong Studios, and V Prep. Apprentices work directly with their employer for 80% of the time, with 20% spent studying 'off the job'. This studying will be a mix of structured remote learning, calls with your development coach, with some in-person placements.
Recruitment for all Creative Industry Apprenticeships is currently closed. However, if you'd like to be the first to know when we're recruiting again simply leave your details via our Expression of interest form.
Hit the button to complete the form, you will then be emailed and invited to apply as soon as recruitment opens again!