Just last month, the Printing Industries Association of Australia and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union jointly launched the second phase of the Future Print program with the first industry briefings held for the new Business Transformation Project.
The name might sound a bit like George Orwell’s newspeak, but in fact it is a pretty accurate description for this project, which is designed to help print businesses determine what they need to change to meet the market of the future, and to provide the information, resources and support to help them make those changes.
The vision of these organisations and their tenacity in getting the project across the line should be applauded by the industry, who are set to reap significant benefits from what is a comprehensive scheme – in both scope and reach.
For a start, entry criteria is broad, taking in all aspects of the graphic communications sector from print service and finishing providers, right through to graphic designers, publishers, and suppliers of paper and other consumable products.
It covers a lot of ground. Initial business briefings are followed by evaluations to help businesses recognise areas which will benefit from change; identify new skills or resources which may contribute to success; and then support in planning and managing the transition. Most importantly, businesses will have access to subsidised training across a broad range of areas including front line management, lean manufacturing, finance, sales and marketing – complementing the trade-based training offered under the Future Print Apprenticeship Project.
It is a terrific resource, and feedback from the initial briefings, held in August, suggests print business owners and managers agree, with most attendees signing on to proceed to the evaluation stage. Further briefings will be held at regular intervals over coming months, giving others the opportunity to join the program.
Change is a choice
Training and business development have always been areas some businesses put firmly in the too hard basket. Apprentices? It’s easier to poach someone once they have completed their training than go to the time and trouble. And working on your business as well as in it? Who has the time?
While understandable, these attitudes fail to take into account the very real benefits that can flow from training new staff or upskilling your existing workforce, and from putting similar effort into equipping your business to meet the challenges of the future.
The Future Print Apprenticeship Program and the Future Print Business Transformation Project will be providing more than 700 people the chance to gain the skills we will need, as an industry, into the future – 240 in competency-based apprenticeships and 500 in broader business areas.
Experience proves time and time again that those who can be flexible and change to meet – or even anticipate – the needs of the market are those that enjoy the most success. Making the choice to get involved, and doing so before the limited number of places in these new programs are filled, will be the key to determining whether your business will benefit.
Success is in Your Hands
If you want a place at the table in developing a sustainable apprentice training model that attracts and equips a new generation, and enhances success through up skilling, the opportunity is there via the Apprenticeship Project. Take a look at what is on offer to help you bring in new blood and increase the value of your people to your business.
If you want to be a part of a dynamic and exciting graphic communications sector into the future, take time to investigate the resources on offer through the Business Transformation Project to help you plan your path and take advantage of the support which is available to help you get there.
Yes, the graphic communications sector is changing rapidly and will continue to do so. That can be challenging, but it is also incredibly exciting, with no shortage of opportunities opening up for businesses that are prepared to change and move with the industry. The key will be knowing where, and how, to implement that change and, with all that Future Print has to offer, there has never been a better time to make those decisions.
The opportunities are there… all you have to do is take them. To find out more or register your interest in Future Print Apprenticeships or the Business Transformation Project, go to www. futureprint.org.au and if you have comments or suggestions for Future Print, send them to joan.grace@printnet.com.au
Joan Grace is the PIAA training and employment general manager, and heads up the Future Print program.
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