It's a mistake to think that "learning" a particular software package is the key. A lot of people can learn how to use software, but that doesn't make them competent modellers, animators or artists. I'm reasonably handy with a word-processor, but a best-selling novel would elude me.
True. But most employers will expect a new hire to be proficient with a computer. So, absolutely a strong and creative portfolio is a must but so also are computer graphics skills.

Oddly, in all the time I spent in advertising and graphic design, no one ever asked to see my art school degree.