Future Print hits 150 trainees

More than 150 trainees are now working under the PIAA’s Future Print Apprenticeship Project, with new developments in store for the $11m industry programme. Joan Grace, general manager for innovation, training and employment with the PIAA, says both industry newcomers and existing employees looking to upskill are applying. She says, “Businesses and employees are taking advantage of the opportunity to broaden and deepen their skill base to help meet the requirements of a rapidly changing industry.” The 150 sign-ups brings the project well ahead of the scheduled 103 apprentices to be on the books in March at 79 businesses. The programme’s goal is to connect apprentices to 250 printers by July.

Thomas Manten (r), print machinist apprentice at Monotone, with mentor Rick Holubnytschyj

Thomas Manten (r), print machinist apprentice at Monotone, with mentor Rick Holubnytschyj

Caroline Percival-Brown, general manager of Hobart’s Monotone Art Printers, says the company’s two new Future Print apprentices are progressing well, with the competency-based training model keeping print finisher Joshua Lockely and machinist Thomas Manten motivated. She says, “The contrast couldn’t be clearer to me. Their attitude and motivation is so much more positive because the Future Print model puts the onus back on the apprentices – they know the harder they work the more quickly they’ll progress. “These two are very keen and, with dedication and persistence, there’s a real chance they could qualify in under three years; in fact, I might just challenge them to be the first Future Print apprentices to graduate.” Percival-Brown says apprenticeships have been “something of a battle” in recent times for the 100-year-old company; she says, “Four years is a long time, the pay is not great, and many young people struggle to keep their motivation going, so we were keen to look into the new Future Print model.” Future Print’s steering committee has begun collecting data for the first phase of evaluations, though an approval for 12 month extension to the mentoring service has already been granted, taking that part of the programme forward till the end of June next year. “Perhaps one of the most common pieces of feedback from employers and apprentices through the projects over these past few months is the appreciation they have for the assistance and advice from their Future Print Advisors and mentors so we are delighted to have some certainty around this extension for the next 12 months,” says Grace.September will see the first Apprenticeship Summit, with apprentices, employers and stakeholders from training organisations, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, Future Print Advisors and the PIAA committee invited to share their input. Grace says, “This will be an opportunity to share ideas and provide feedback with others involved in different aspects of the programme, so that we can evaluate how we are travelling so far and make sure we are setting the right course for the future.” She adds that the project will benefit from the new National Workforce Development Fund, set to provide additional advice and resources to businesses.

Future Print precinct meeting in South Australia, l-r: Rob Slatter, Multi Color; Peter Clifford, Vivid Blue Design; John Evans, Graphic Print Group; Steve Hough, Print Graphic Displays; Trevor Stone, Cadillac Printing

Future Print precinct meeting in South Australia, l-r: Rob Slatter, Multi Color; Peter Clifford, Vivid Blue Design; John Evans, Graphic Print Group; Steve Hough, Print Graphic Displays; Trevor Stone, Cadillac Printing

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