Enterprise Academy’s Dr. Claire Mc Bride delivers keynote at launch of Screen Industry Competency Frameworks
The Enterprise Academy at TU Dublin is delighted to announce that Dr. Claire Mc Bride, Head of the Enterprise Academy and leader of the HEA-funded Convene initiative delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Competency Frameworks for the Screen Industry in the Irish Film Institute. Five new Competency Frameworks were launched by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland in association with the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland, Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, Writers Guild of Ireland, and VFX Ireland.
These Competency Frameworks have been developed in conjunction with each respective screen sector guild and stakeholder as a learning resource and guide to give direction to personal and career development, and enable access to relevant learning and development opportunities within the screen sector.
Strategic response to attract, retain, and develop skilled film professionals
Developed in response to the rapid expansion of the film and television industry which called for a strategic response to attract, retain, and develop skilled film professionals; these frameworks will assist the sector in many ways. They will provide a template for tracking skills, personal and career development for crew. They will also enhance access opportunities and recruitment practices. They clarify progression routes and pathways for career development and will support better retention of talent within the sector.
Furthermore, they will enable third level and other training providers to enhance their current provision and develop curricula that is better aligned to the actual job roles as they operate within the industry.
The Competency Frameworks for the Screen Industry are accessible here.
Supporting Ireland’s Screen Sector through skills development
Dr. Mc Bride’s keynote focused on two critical themes: the value and importance of Competency Frameworks in shaping workforce planning and career pathways within the screen industry, and the transformative potential of strategic university/industry partnerships in driving skills development. Competency Frameworks are not just tools for education, they are strategic enablers of workforce development, inclusion, and innovation providing a structured approach to recognising expertise, guiding professional growth, and enabling access to relevant learning opportunities.
In parallel, Dr. Mc Bride highlighted how the partnership between TU Dublin’s Enterprise Academy, the School of Media, and Screen Ireland to co-design impactful, accredited programmes that respond directly to sectoral needs, ensures Ireland’s screen industry remains agile, inclusive, and globally competitive.
Why competency frameworks matter
Ireland’s screen sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by international demand, technological innovation, and a thriving creative community. To sustain this momentum, skills development and talent cultivation are essential. The new Competency Frameworks:
- Define the core skills, behaviours, and knowledge required for key creative and technical roles
- Support upskilling and reskilling by providing clear, structured pathways for professional development
- Enable Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), opening access to accredited qualifications for experienced professionals
- Guide training providers and employers in designing relevant, future-focused learning opportunities
- Strengthen the talent pipeline, ensuring Ireland remains globally competitive in film, TV, animation, and VFX
TU Dublin: A key partner in skills innovation
The Enterprise Academy at TU Dublin and TU Dublin’s School of Media, have worked in strategic partnership with Screen Ireland for many years which has led to the co-development of multiple, accredited programmes, including Passport to Production and the BA (Hons) in Screen Industry Practice. This innovative degree, tailored for experienced professionals through RPL, is underpinned by the Competency Frameworks and validated through TU Dublin’s rigorous academic standards. The programme exemplifies how collaborative education models can bridge industry and academia, enabling learners to gain formal recognition for their experience while addressing real-world skills gaps.
The Enterprise Academy’s work with Screen Ireland exemplifies its mission to empower learners, respond to emerging sectoral needs, and foster impactful partnerships. For more on this collaboration, visit our Screen Ireland partnership page.