McLary says, “We need a Skills Plan that addresses the form and functions of the Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts (QSPGA) such as equipment needs, on-line learning, competency based progression, on-the-job training delivery and assessment and training delivery for regional apprentices.”

According to Printing Industries discussions are already underway with the government for its support and funding of a Skills Plan in conjunction with the Southbank Institute of Technology (which QSPGA is part of).

McLary says there is no doubt that the industry needs a vocational education and training system that is properly resourced and organised to enable its’ workforce to develop the skills required to meet the current and future needs of industry.

He says, “This will be achieved only if the industry is fully supportive of the system. This means that the training system must be Industry led and demand driven. Employer and employees must be engaged at all levels and the interests of the industry must be at the forefront of any changes to the system that caters for the needs of entry level and existing worker training.”

McLary adds that much had been done previously by Printing Industries to reverse the downward apprenticeship trend including a number of accelerated apprenticeship programs and education campaigns.

He says, “We now have an opportunity to do it better and so we need feedback and support from the industry.”

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