John Watters AusSIP with students at Sign & Print Connections stand
Students, parents, teachers and careers counsellors embraced the Sign & Print Career Connections initiative at the Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo this week.
With its colourful design, interactive activities, and real-world advisors, the stand was the centrepiece of an industry-wide initiative to attract new talent to the print, sign and graphics sector.
Sarah Moore, general manager of Visual Connections, says the number of serious enquiries received was enormously pleasing. It generated hundreds of enquiries proving one of the most popular attractions at the Expo.
“Since launching the newly-expanded program in Melbourne earlier this year, our team has fielded many hundreds of enquiries, and we have seen thousands of hits to the online resource, providing that there is plenty of interest in careers in the visual communications sector,” she reports.
Sarah said the ‘Try-A-Trade’ activities were central to engagement, with students getting hands-on with vinyl applications and heat press.
Staff from the local TAFE and a number of industry volunteers were on hand to assist, providing students with a ‘real-world’ perspective on the industry.
“With the number of enquiries growing at every outing and thousands of hits to our online resource, it’s more important than ever for industry businesses to consider giving a young person the opportunity to start their career,” Sarah confirms.
“If you are looking to expand your team, we encourage you to take advantage of the interest of these bright, motivated young people by considering offering an apprenticeship.
“Positions can be listed on the searchable Sign & Print Career Connections online resource, so students can locate employment opportunities, as well as training options, in their local area,” Sarah adds.
Interested businesses can find out more about the Sign & Print Career Connections program and list apprenticeship opportunities at https://visualconnections.org.au/careerconnections
The Sign & Print Career Connections program is led by Visual Connections in partnership with all major industry associations, including ASGA, FESPA Australia, the FPLMA, LIA and VMA.
Major sponsors are Amari Visual Solutions, Ball & Doggett, Cactus Imaging, Fujifilm Graphic Systems, Graphic Art Mart, Mulford Australia, ORAFOL, Pozitive Sign & Graphics Supplies and Sign-a-Rama, with partnering sponsors including Böttcher, FPLMA, Hero Print, MacDirmid Graphic Solutions and Spicers.
The next Sign & Print Career Connections initiative is in Perth in July and Sydney in August. In the meantime, those interested can download the Sign & Print Career Connections brochure here, or visit the website
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter