According to GAMAA president David Rands, RMIT should be commended for its initiative.

“The graphic technologies industry, like many others, is facing the issues that surround an ageing workforce. For an industry to survive, it is vital that the succession path is open to both those currently working in the industry and also to young people entering the industry,” says Rands.

“The opportunity for young people to enter the industry through an undergraduate degree provides a clear career path. The more professional-development opportunities offered to those interested in working in the graphic technologies arena, the greater the prospects for the future health of the industry as a whole. GAMAA is heartened to see the academic fraternity recognise the importance of our industry to the economic fabric of Australia. This is a significant step forward in moving the graphic technologies industry from a trade-skill base to a business-skill base.”

GAMAA has been a long-time proponent of education within the printing industry, and sees this new degree as well suited to the scholarship programme already implemented by the association.

“GAMAA firmly believes that education is the only way our industry will grow and prosper in the future and the development of this undergraduate degree further supports our position,” says Rands.

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