Specialized Training in Multimedia

Québec has renowned training institutions that train more than 5,100 graduates each year in computer science and various disciplines relating to multimedia. Apart from public institutions-colleges and universities, there are private training centres known around the world, like the National Animation and Design (NAD) Centre and the Institut national de l'image et du son (INIS).

National Animation and Design (NAD) Centre

The first in the world to provide training in Softimage software and one of the very few authorized SOFTIMAGE|XSI and AVID DS training centres, the NAD Centre is also an authorized Animation and Autodesk (formerly Discreet) effects training centre. From its beginnings in 1992, the NAD Centre has offered complete programs, initially in 3D graphics, then in 1997, the very first video game synthetic imagery training program in Canada. The NAD Centre graduates roughly 80 professional 3D artists each year.

Institut national de l'image et du son (INIS)

Founded in 1996, INIS is a professional training centre offering training programs based on practice, an understanding of professional realities, teamwork and development of creativity for the film, television and interactive media communities. INIS grants some 40 diplomas per year.

Since 2005, the Ubisoft Campus, formed jointly with the Cégep de Matane, Université de Sherbrooke, Université du Québec and Université de Montréal, has offered training at the college and university levels in key sectors of electronic games development. The first institution of its type in Québec, the Ubisoft Campus meets the industry's needs by offering programs in production and programming, in addition to 3D animation, 3D modelling and game level design.

The National Institute of Digital Entertainment is an industry-oriented institution, created by and for businesses. Its mission is to provide for the industry's workforce training needs.

Emploi-Québec

Businesses can receive government assistance, from Emploi-Québec, and partner with education institutions to develop training programs that correspond to the specific needs of the industry. For example, Electronic Arts (EA), A2M and Beenox, an Activision studio, have received government assistance to develop ambitious continuing training programs for their employees.

College Level

The bulk of training relating to electronic games consists of four technical study programs lasting three years at the college level (DCS). Training capacity in 2008 was about 1,500 students according to the specialization is as follows:

• 3D animation techniques and image synthesis;
• Graphics;
• Multimedia integration techniques;
• Animated drawing.

In addition to these specific programs, other study programs can lead to work in the video games sector. Among others, the program in computer technology has almost 4,000 students for the province as a whole.

University Level

The multimedia / electronic game industry has a pressing need for new talent to maintain its current growth. Accordingly, the training of new resources is key concern for Québec. As shown in the table below, more than 18,000 students were enrolled in college and university computer science and other programs relating to the multimedia sector. In 2008, more than 5,100 diplomas were granted in these sectors.

Ma Carrière en jeux

The Ma Carrière en jeux website is a joint initiative of companies in the interactive entertainment industry in Québec. The site provides details on the training programs offered in Québec as well as providing information on career possibilities in the electronic game sector.