2027 Apprenticeship Program - Effects Trainee

Walt Disney Animation Studios; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Walt Disney Animation Studios Vancouver invites emerging artists to join the Talent Development Apprenticeship Program. This immersive experience places you in a real-time production environment with a Disney mentor, starting January 2027.

The four-month onboarding and mentorship phase develops key techniques in effects/animation, culminating in a review that guides future assignments and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Emerging artists with less than 5 years of animation industry experience or recent graduates with a relevant degree.
• 18 years or older and eligible to work in Canada.
• Technical proficiency inspired by art and ability to collaborate.

Responsibilities

• Learn under a Disney mentor in a Vancouver studio, in a real-time production environment.
• Develop and strengthen core animation disciplines during the apprenticeship.

Skills

Tech proficiency

Communication skills

Animation fundamentals

Houdini

Maya

Linux

Scripting

Rendering tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Requirements

Join us for an opportunity to experience the art of animation and be a part of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The Talent Development Apprenticeship Program is an immersive experience available for emerging artists. Under the guidance of a Disney mentor, the Talent Development Apprenticeship Program offers a unique opportunity to hone and understand skills, refine and strengthen key disciplines, and engage in a real-time production environment with mentorship support. Learn more about our pipeline.

Job Requirements

Join us for an opportunity to experience the art of animation and be a part of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The Talent Development Apprenticeship Program is an immersive experience available for emerging artists. Under the guidance of a Disney mentor, the Talent Development Apprenticeship Program offers a unique opportunity to hone and understand skills, refine and strengthen key disciplines, and engage in a real-time production environment with mentorship support. Learn more about our pipeline.

The Effects Apprenticeship

The Apprenticeship Program is based in our Vancouver studio location and will start in January 2027.

The deadline for applications is Sunday November 15th, 11:59 PM PST.

Disney Effects artists create stunning visuals through collaboration with artists from all parts of the animation pipeline. Whether supporting production design through stylization or hyperrealism, they push the boundaries of what is possible. They are challenged to create the unexpected and to invoke an emotional impact in support of the creative vision.

As part of the Effects Apprenticeship program, the first four months of your program are structured to introduce you to the art of Effects animation, our studio culture, and our production environment. These initial months will showcase the skills and philosophies of our Effects department while providing you nurturing mentorship with a Disney artist. A four month review provides you with real-time feedback and determines future assignments and promotional opportunities that would bring your skills into real-time production environments.

Key Qualifications

• Emerging artists with less than 5 years of animation industry experience OR Recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 18 years or older
• Eligible to work in Canada

Application Requirements

• Technical proficiency inspired by art
• Strong communication skills with the ability to brainstorm and collaborate in a team setting to reimagine, prototype, or even fake an effect
• A strong understanding of animation fundamentals, design, and composition
• An understanding of how structural elements, physical dynamics, and natural forces inform effects animation
• Experience using commercial graphics packages including Houdini and/or Maya
• A working knowledge of Houdini and Linux is required
• A working knowledge of Maya is a plus
• Exposure to current techniques in rendering, shading, lighting, and compositing
• Exposure to scripting

The deadline for applications is Sunday November 15th, 2026, 11:59 PM PST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hourly rate for this position in British Columbia, Canada is $30CAD per hour. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.

This position is with Walt Disney Animation Studios Vancouver Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios.

To learn more about Disney's guidelines on the use of AI for candidates, click here.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.