The NSW Department of Education has approved funding for Regional Trade Assessments to deliver the new Trade Pathways Program, which is now available for the Qualification of Cert III in Signs and Graphics.
The program is a fully-funded trade recognition and gap training opportunity for people over the age of 21, who have at least two years’ experience in their industry.
The sign and graphics industry is one of 36 trades which is now eligible for funding, with a total of 750 training places to be provided over the next 12 months.
All training will be subsidised by the NSW government and is fully ‘fee-free’ for successful applicants.
Visual Connections CEO Peter Harper welcomed the program as it is designed to boost the number of skilled workers in the construction industry, which signs and graphics is a part of.
Visual Connections has a long history supporting trade apprenticeships and training in the print, sign and graphic communications sector, and Harper said the announcement was a welcome boost for many who are working in the industry but have no formal qualification to their name.
“The Trade Pathways Program gives many of our brightest and best workers the opportunity to have their skills and previous work experience recognised and assessed towards the achievement of a trade certificate, as well as receive any training needed to close the gaps in their knowledge and skills,” he said.
“With the ongoing issue of skills shortages in all manufacturing sectors, including our own, this is a wonderful opportunity to increase the number of qualified and job-ready trades people in NSW, as well as give those already working in our industry the opportunity to further their career with a trade qualification.
“With limited places available, we’d encourage employers to move quickly to identify staff members who could benefit, and also urge anyone who is working in the industry but is not yet formally qualified, to contact RTA to explore the possibilities for themselves.”
Full details of the new government program is available here.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter