“My apprenticeship opened a whole new world for me and showed me the many different facets of the printing industry,” says Leary.

“My study at Southbank Institute’s Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts, combined with the mentoring I received in industry, has given me the confidence to take on more responsibility.”

For Leary, ensuring a graphic designer’s concept becomes a printed reality is the best part of her work.

“Every job has its own character and you have to rely on the whole printing team to create a successful job,” she said.

Leary is keen to encourage other young people to work in the printing industry.

“It’s such an exciting industry, always advancing and changing,” she says. “At the moment, we are looking for young people who are creative, enthusiastic and able to think on their feet to take on the challenge of learning about today’s printing industry.”

To help young people accept that challenge, Southbank Institute, in partnership with the Printing Industries Association, is offering Australia’s first Accelerated Apprenticeship in Printing and Machining.

“Successful applicants will be able to complete their studies in two and a half years instead of four,” says Southbank Institute acting director, Suzanne Jordan. “They will also be guaranteed employment with Queensland’s leading printing companies.”

The programme, announced by Queensland Minister for Employment, Training and Industrial Relations Tom Barton on May 24, will initially offer 14 places but this can be expanded as demand dictates.

“This innovative programme will allow young people to get into one of Australia’s growing high-tech industries much faster, developing skills and creating career pathways just like Hannah,” Jordan says.

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