Animated Women UK, the organization supporting women in the nation’s VFX and animation industries, has opened the entry period for its second “Achieve Programme,” launched in 2017 and designed to help these professionals reach their potential. The course is open to women at all stages in their career and will be accepting applications until January 31; there are 24 spots available.
“The past few months have put women’s position in the workplace right in the spotlight. Finally our voices are being heard, and The Achieve Programme aims to support women to find the platform that will ensure their voices continue to be loud and proud,” said Beth Parker, Co-Chair Animation, Animated Women UK. “I am immensely proud of what The Achieve Programme represents and to provide women in the animation industry with the tools to help them progress within their careers.”
The Achieve Programme is funded and supported by Creative Skillset, Disney and Escape Studios, and is open to women in VFX and animation looking to address the real challenges and barriers faced by their peers. Run by accredited executive coach, Marianne O’Connor and experienced coach, facilitator and trainer specialising in women’s leadership development, Jan Armstrong, the course aims to provide strategic career management over six sessions, taking place every two weeks in central London.
“The Achieve Programme has been pivotal to my career as a Production Coordinator for Children’s Animation, and also in helping me achieve my long-term goals,” commented participant Charlene Haywood. “The skills, connections and job opportunities that have been afforded to myself and others on the workshops is invaluable. It felt like I had reached the next stage in my career over those two weeks, which resulted in two years worth of guaranteed work at the end. Something that would not have happened outside of the connections I made on the Programme.”
Louise Hussey, Co-Chair VFX, Animated Women added, “It has been great to hear from last year’s attendees that The Achieve Programme has equipped them with the confidence and skills to further their careers in our industries. The support we have from Creative Skillset, Disney and Escape Studios for this programme allows AWUK to help create a network of women all experiencing the same challenges, enabling them to overcome them together.”
Fees for the full set of evening workshops are £225 for Senior participants, £175 for mid level and £75 for junior level. More information and application details available here.
