In March, Interactive Ontario (IO) announced initiatives designed to improve diversity & inclusion in the interactive digital media industry, including the ipprenticeship Program. IO, along with partners DHX Media, Groupe Média TFO and Ubisoft Toronto, are now pleased to announce the inaugural cohort for week-long apprenticeship placements at these three leading interactive digital media companies.
The companies have met with a large, diverse pool of talented candidates and will have the opportunity to work closely with the selected participants during their placements, giving them access to the best and brightest up-and-coming interactive digital media professionals. The apprentices will receive a combination of shadowing and one-on-one meetings with key team members, gain behind-the-scenes exposure and information, and have highly beneficial access to industry professionals and networks.
Participants for the inaugural cohort are:
- Nuha Alkadi & Rebecca Mitchell – The Ubisoft Toronto Women in Games ipprenticeship
- Robin Della Corte – Groupe Média TFO’s Digital, Educational, Francophone media ipprenticeship
- Celestina Aleobua – DHX Media’s Youth of Underrepresented Background web design and/or IT ipprenticeship
The apprenticeships will take place throughout the summer of 2017 and program highlights will be showcased at Interactive Ontario’s fall conference, iVentures. iVentures takes place at MaRS Discovery District in Toronto on October 26 & 27, 2017.
“Our Measuring Success research report, as well as our observations while working with this sector, have told us that there is a need to improve diversity and inclusion,” said Interactive Ontario Executive Director Christa Dickenson. “This program will provide opportunities for new voices to join the sector, helping to increase the diversity, authenticity and quality of stories being told through interactive digital media.”