October 31, 2019, OTTAWA –The video game industry is constantly growing with global revenues now exceeding $100 Billion. In Canada, the gaming industry contributes $3.7 billion to Canadian GDP with 21,700 people directly employed in full-time positions earning on average $74,000. (ESAC, 2017 Economic Impact Report)
The Information and Communications and Technology Council (ICTC) is thrilled to partner with the Entertainment Software Association of Canada (ESAC) to develop the next generation of Canadian digital talent through the Work Integrated Learning Digital Program (WIL Digital). In joining forces, we will help students develop the skills needed to thrive in the digital workforce of today – and the digital workforce of tomorrow.
ICTC and ESAC will work together to grow knowledge of the WIL Digital program and create student pathways to quality work opportunities in the video game industry. The organizations will also share knowledge and explore new opportunities to work together on important education, skills and/or talent-related initiatives in the digital economy.
“Canada’s video game industry continues to grow and is an important contributor to our economy, sitting at the centre of an innovation ecosystem. One of the ways ESAC is positioned to help support our industry’s continued growth is through ensuring a robust talent pipeline. Partnering with ICTC positions us to take advantage of this excellent program that will help increase the number of student work placements in our industry.” Jayson Hilchie, President & CEO, Entertainment Software Association of Canada.
“We are delighted to partner with ESAC to prepare the workforce of tomorrow for this thriving industry and a critical contributor to Canada’s economy and job market. Enabling innovation-ready talent in this space is the hallmark of continued success for this rapidly growth industry.” Namir Anani, ICTC President and CEO.
Learn more about the incentive program available to employers thought our work integrated WIL Digital as well as our other at https://www.etalentcanada.ca/ictc-programs/for-employers/ The program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.
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For more information:
Kevin Wennekes, Chief, Strategic Outreach Officer
Information and Communications Technology Council
Office: 613-237-8551 ext. 147
Corinne Crichlow, Director, Communications & Public Relations,
Entertainment Software Association of Canada
416-620-7171 x. 248
About ESAC:
ESAC is the national voice of the video game industry in Canada. We work for our members – Activision Blizzard, Glu, EA, Gameloft, Ubisoft, Kabam, Other Ocean Interactive, Ludia, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Relic Entertainment, Solutions 2 Go, WB Games, Square Enix, Take 2 Interactive, Codename Entertainment and Certain Affinity – to ensure legal, regulatory and public affairs environments are favourable to long-term business development. For more information, visit theESA.Ca.
About ICTC and WIL Digital:
ICTC is a not-for-profit national centre of expertise for the digital economy. It is the trusted source for evidence-based policy advice, forward looking research, and creative capacity building programs for the digital economy.
The ICTC WIL Digital Program is designed to work with academic institutions and industry to give students the skills needed to work in emerging technology sectors. Over four years, WIL Digital will create over a thousand high-quality work experiences for students across Canada. The program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program.
