Animation, software dev't industries need more manpower
The animation and software development industries are in need of more manpower.
This was revealed by Joy Bacon, executive director of Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc (ACPI). She spoke yesterday before the 46 graduates of the Professional (2D) Assistant Animator Training in Western Visayas College of Science and Technology.
Bacon said that as of 2006, there are 244,000 Filipinos being employed in cyber services in the country. "But we need 350,000," she said.
Bacon lamented that there is a big gap between education and employment opportunities because schools are not churning out the graduates that the animation industry needs.
"We can't employ the graduates of some schools because they don't have the skills that we need," she said.
That is why the ACPI entered into partnerships will schools like the WVCST and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to be able to produce people that can fill up the huge need in the mentioned industries.
Disney Works, Pixar and Anime are some examples of companies who need these manpower and who employ Filipinos and offer them big salaries.
She explained that in a one-second animation, there are 24 drawings that are needed. "Imagine the need for people who should handle a 70- to 90-minute animation film."
She also encouraged parents not to push their children to get into Nursing because animation and software development are also in demand.
"If you are patient enough and if you continue to enhance your craft, we can show to the whole world that we can meet the standards of the global market," Bacon said.
SEEK OUT
Meanwhile, Councilor Jed Mabilog urged Ilonggos to seek out the government's programs for them.
"We have a lot of jobs and scholarships available but we do not grab the opportunity to help ourselves. TESDA offers a lot of scholarships like animation and software development. If you can't find a job, go to TESDA and ask them for opportunities. The programs that TESDA offers are ones that give you skills for jobs where one need not go abroad. This way, you can help build the nation and enjoy the company of your family," he said yesterday.
The Professional (2D) Assistant Animator Training and the Career Entry Course for Software Development-Java are courses under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Program.
The scholars of the former received P10,000 each while the latter received P30,000 each. The financial assistance covers the educational expenses of the scholars except their transportation and living expenses.