The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) is Australia’s most awarded 3D animation, game design and visual effects educator. Created as a non-profit organisation to grow the creative digital sector, AIE pioneered the development of specialist game qualifications and continues to innovate through industry partnerships and dynamic teaching.
AIE was named the Small Training Provider of the Year at the 2007 Australian Training Awards. It was AIE’s third nomination for the national awards and AIE was the first Canberra based registered training organisation to be a national winner in the award’s history.
“Winning was fantastic recognition for our staff and students. It recognised the importance of the creative digital media industries to Australia’s future. It was also a significant acknowledgement of the range of careers and opportunities that are possible in these areas” said AIE Chief Executive officer, Vicki De Margheriti.
AIE was one of the first educators in the world to deliver specialist industry training and develop specific qualifications in games development, 3D animation and visual effects. Graduates of AIE continue to be instrumental in building innovative interactive entertainment industries across Australia and internationally, with many of its alumni working in some of the world’s most prestigious games and film studios, as well as developing the industries of mobile applications, simulation and virtual worlds.
Since winning in 2007, AIE has significantly grown from its two campuses in Canberra and Melbourne. In 2009 AIE opened a campus in Sydney which was followed by campuses in Seattle and Lafayette in the United States of America (USA). Students in the USA complete the same nationally accredited advanced diploma qualifications as their Australian peers.
In 2012, AIE started a world-first Incubator Program to give its graduates the opportunity to start their own digital media studios with expert mentoring, office space and equipment, travel and business development grants. In 2013 AIE’s online courses have expanded to match the full range of courses offered on campus to reach students in every corner of the globe.
“We would encourage everyone in training to get involved in the Australian Training Awards” said Vicki.
“It’s an invaluable opportunity that ensures we regularly record and reflect on our achievements as well as celebrate our successes.”