Currently running in Printing Industries‘ NSW and WA offices, the program sees job- seekers provide their details — including what kind of work they are looking for — with companies in turn providing details of what kind of staff they are looking for and can accommodate.

So far, the program has yielded six young people in NSW, mainly in the Sydney area, whilst several companies in WA have expressed interest in recruiting apprentices or trainees.

Printing Industries‘ national communication and technical services manager, Joe Kowalewski (pictured), says that there are also plans to expand the program with an online registration facility and ‘apprentice testing’.

“New technology developments have expanded the options to provide more comprehensive and better-targeted assessments that benefit both the candidate and employer by identifying a wide range of characteristics both can use to determine mutual suitability,” said Kowalewski.

“Ultimately the desired result is a better, more permanent placement that meets the expectations of everyone concerned.”

Kowalewski also cautioned printing companies against shying away from recruitment because of the global financial crisis, claiming that now was not the time for companies to “take their foot off” the training accelerator.

“In fact, now is the time to seriously focus on training because conditions will improve and companies will need additional staff. Those that have training programs in place won’t have a problem and will continue to prosper while those who don’t will lose opportunities.”

Anyone interested in learning more or entering the program is advised to contact Printing Industries on (02) 8789 7300 for NSW or (08) 9361 4625 for WA.

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