Gareth leads the Skills Development team at Screen Ireland, the development agency for the Irish film, television and animation industry.
The skills team has responsibility for investing in people and skills for the screen sectors in Ireland, through the design, development, and delivery of industry-focused skills initiatives for all roles from new entrants to company leaders. The skills team also supports the sector through Funding Schemes that leverage and empower stakeholders and professionals linked to the screen sector in Ireland, and through the management and oversight of the skills development requirements linked to the Section 481 tax credit. The skills team also commissions and carries out research to identify ongoing and future skills needs of the industry.
Prior to joining Screen Ireland, Gareth worked at Ballyfermot College of Further Education for 16 years, where he ran the Animation degree programme and established a new diploma programme in 3D & Visual Effects – the first programme of its kind in Ireland. Gareth also has a wealth of experience in work-based learning and industry-focused training through his work with Animation Skillnet, an industry network which delivers subsidised training solutions for the Animation and related sectors in Ireland.