Fostering Community in Creative Tech
Launching in May 2025, the program will match volunteer mentors working across animation, VFX, video games and XR with individuals looking to launch or level up their career in creative technology.
Do you ever reflect on your professional journey and wish you had known some things earlier or been given certain advice when you were starting out? As a DigiConnect mentor, you will have the opportunity to guide and share experiences with junior talent pursuing personal and professional growth.
Enthusiastic volunteers ready to share knowledge and provide support to people launching their creative tech careers will be key to the program’s success. We are currently seeking individuals with 4+ years of experience in animation, VFX, video games, or XR in BC to join our program as mentors.
If you are interested in getting involved and contributing your unique perspective and experience to the growth of the creative technology community, get in touch today!
Mentors and mentees will sign up via an online platform and be paired based on matching criteria.
Once paired, mentors and mentees will meet monthly (either virtually or in person) to work toward identified objectives and measure progress.
Over the course of each pairing, DigiBC will provide training and resources to empower mentors and mentees to make full use of the program, including support in identifying objectives, setting tasks, and reviewing progress – along with dedicated support staff to help participants navigate the process.
Throughout the program, mentors and mentees will be given opportunities to provide feedback which will allow continual adaptation and improvement.
The deadline to register as a mentor is April 10, 2025 for the first cohort (May-August) and August 10, 2025 for the second cohort (September-December). Mentors who sign up for the first cohort are also welcome to continue to participate with the second cohort.
A: Mentors will participate in a one-time training and approximately 4 hours of 1:1 meetings with their mentees over 4 months.
A: The mentor position is entirely voluntary, so there is no compensation involved. The aim of the program is for experienced industry professionals to ‘pay it forward’ and contribute to the growth of the junior talent pipeline, as well as make connections with other mentors.
A: Yes! If you are readily able to take on the commitment, mentors are welcome to more than one mentee.
A: If for any reason you experience issues with your mentor/mentee pairing, the program coordinator will be available to offer support and assist in rematching where possible.
A: Not at all! While DigiConnect will facilitate opportunities to make connections in person, it is vital to the program that virtual engagement is accommodated.
A: DigiConnect will provide resources and training for both mentors and mentees, as well as having a program coordinator available to answer questions and offer support.
A: Mentees will complete an intake questionnaire which will be used to identify common criteria between mentors and mentees.
A: Given most successful mentee/mentor relationships are driven by the mentee, the mentee will be responsible for arranging meetings, arriving prepared, and selecting topics and focus areas.
A: Being paired with a mentor affords an opportunity to develop both hard and soft skills, grow your professional network, and receive guidance on how to overcome challenges.
A: If for any reason you experience issues with your pairing, the program coordinator will be available to offer support and assist in rematching where possible.
A: Not at all! While DigiConnect will facilitate opportunities to make connections in person, it is vital to the program that virtual engagement is accommodated.
A: DigiConnect will provide resources and training for both mentors and mentees, as well as having a program coordinator available to answer questions and offer support.
Mentors recruited by DigiBC from a cross-section of the creative tech industry in BC.
Tailored virtual training for mentors and mentees.
Participants matched based on criteria provided.
Mentees and mentors meet 1:1.
Participants provide input to inform further program development.
The Work Placement Pilot Project, launched in May 2024, creates work placement opportunities for post-secondary students in BC’s creative technology sector, helping them to launch successful careers in animation, visual effects, video games, or extended reality.
DigiBC has partnered with Vancouver Community College, Centre for Digital Media, Simon Fraser University, BCIT, and Emily Carr University to offer micro-credential programs addressing the talent shortage in BC’s growing creative technology sector.
DigiCamps provide students aged 8-13 with interactive and hands-on experiences building creative tech applications—from video games to virtual reality.
