The Visual Media Association (VMA) officially launched the emerging talent program, The Inkers – Make your Mark, with platinum sponsor Konica Minolta at PacPrint today.
Unveiled on the Konica Minolta stand during the opening days of PacPrint 2025, The Inkers is the paper, print, publishing, packaging and mail industry’s first structured, nationally coordinated support initiative designed for early-career professionals.
The program is targeted at apprentices, trainees, cadets, and young professionals who have worked in the sector for five years or less, to provide a supportive and networking community aimed at improving trainee and apprentice completion rates, and to support the next generation of talent through the industry sectors.
The formal launch marks the culmination of consultation, industry engagement, and brand development over the past months. Since first announcing its intent to build a program for emerging talent, the VMA has held an industry led workshop, stakeholder interviews, and reviewed possible alignment with government strategies, particularly the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the industry’s jobs and skills council.
At the centre of the program’s new identity is The Inkers, with ‘ink’ being the common connector across all channels and the fingerprint-influenced logo symbolises creativity, individuality and legacy qualities the VMA believes embody our emerging talent.
“We are proud to launch The Inkers – Make Your Mark, a program designed by and for the emerging voices in our industry,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO of the Visual Media Association.
“This program is a commitment to the development of a skilled, connected and visible workforce – one that’s future-ready, supported, and confident to build their professional pathways.”
The Inkersprogram is underpinned by four key pillars:
- Support to Skills Development,
- Mentorship & Intergenerational Leadership,
- Networking & Local Representation, and
- Recognition & Visibility.
These focus areas were directly informed by industry input and statistical data, including the concerning 57 per cent national apprentice non-completion rate reported by the ABS.
Melissa Dempsey, chief marketing officer at Konica Minolta said, “Konica Minolta is honoured to be the Platinum Sponsor of The Inkers. We see this as a transformative initiative that builds a meaningful pipeline of talent. Investing in people – particularly the next generation – is how we drive innovation, foster inclusion, and ensure the long-term success of our sector.”
Now seeking ‘Markers’ – state and territory representatives
With the name and program structure now officially revealed, the next phase begins as the program looks to build a national committee of representatives, known as Markers. Each Marker will be selected to represent their state or territory and play a key role in championing the program within their local region.
Markers will be mentored by senior leaders from the VMA board, collaborate with industry stakeholders, and act as the voice of emerging professionals in their area. They will also contribute to local events, national strategy meetings, and VMA initiatives throughout the year.
Applications to become a Marker are now open and close on 6 June 2025. Successful applicants will be announced on 17 June, with the inaugural Inkers workshop and briefing session to be held at Konica Minolta’s Melbourne headquarters on 2 July 2025.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be currently employed in the visual media sector (including print, paper, packaging, publishing, media, distribution, or design),
- Have five years or less total industry experience,
- Reside in Australia and be available to attend in-person and virtual events,
- Demonstrate a willingness to be mentored and contribute to national activities.
The VMA is encouraging businesses across the industry to identify and nominate emerging leaders within their teams. Additional information and application details are available via email at: hello@visualmediaassociation.org.au
The Inkers program is aligned with government workforce retention strategies and also responding to urgent attraction and labour shortages that continue to impact the print and visual media sectors. It is being supported through partnerships with leading companies such as Konica Minolta and Ball & Doggett and has already gained interest across TAFE, RTO, and apprenticeship networks.
Events and activities will be hosted in Konica Minolta showrooms across the country, providing emerging professionals with high-quality industry engagement experiences. The VMA will also publish an annual State of Emerging Talent report, designed to track retention trends, program impact, and apprentice outcomes.
“Through The Inkers, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable and skilled future for our industry. It’s time for our next generation to make their mark – and we’re proud to stand with them,” said Northwood.
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