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Apprenticeships remain the backbone of a sustainable workforce
The Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA), the peak industry body representing Australia’s signage, graphics, and wide-format printing sectors, is playing a critical role in strengthening workforce development and ensuring the industry remains equipped for future growth.
As businesses across the country continue to face skills shortages and increasing competition for talent, ASGA is leading initiatives designed to improve training pathways, modernise qualifications, and attract new people into the sector.
For many years, employers have identified workforce capability as one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. An ageing workforce, rapidly changing technologies, and limited awareness of career opportunities in signage have combined to create a growing skills gap.
Recognising the urgency of the issue, ASGA has made workforce development a strategic priority, focusing on practical, industry-led solutions that create clearer pathways into the profession and support ongoing skills development.
“The skills gap facing our sector is real – and growing,” ASGA vice-president, member and events manager, and education committee chair Damian Nielsen said.
“ASGA is addressing this by improving access to training, modernising qualifications, and connecting employers with new entrants.”
One of the association’s key workforce initiatives is its Apprentice Connections Portal, which helps connect prospective apprentices with employers across Australia. Over the past three years, the platform has facilitated more than 120 apprentice applications to ASGA member businesses, demonstrating strong interest from young people once they can clearly see a pathway into the trade.
The initiative highlights a key challenge for the sector: many potential recruits are simply unaware that signage and graphics offer rewarding, creative, and technically skilled careers. By providing a dedicated platform that links employers and apprentices, ASGA is helping to build a stronger pipeline of future talent.
While apprenticeships remain the foundation of workforce development, industry feedback has highlighted the need for more flexible learning opportunities alongside traditional qualifications. In response, ASGA has expanded access to professional development through a partnership with the International Sign Association (ISA).
Through the agreement, eligible ASGA members receive complimentary ISA membership and access to more than 60 online training courses covering design, digital signage, manufacturing, project management, materials, sales, business management, and leadership.
“These short courses provide rapid upskilling opportunities and support businesses that need training aligned with modern workflows,” Nielsen said.
The courses offer accessible learning opportunities for employees at all stages of their careers and enable businesses to develop skills in emerging areas quickly and efficiently.
Beyond individual training initiatives, ASGA is also helping shape the future of vocational education for the sector. The association has been actively involved in the review of the CPC Training Package, working alongside the Manufacturing Skills Alliance, Build Skills Australia, registered training organisations (RTOs), and industry stakeholders to assess whether existing qualifications remain fit for purpose.
The collaborative process followed discussions with federal and state government ministers led by ASGA president Mick Harrold and has since evolved into a national working group focused on future workforce requirements.
“This has resulted in a working group which brings together relevant jobs and skills councils, industry registered training organisations and signage and wide-format businesses from across Australia,” Nielsen said.
The review is examining how qualifications can better reflect contemporary industry practices, emerging manufacturing technologies, and the evolving needs of businesses operating in increasingly sophisticated production environments.
“Signage in all forms, be it built, printed, or painted, is an essential part of Australia’s built environment; as we say, ‘signs make cities work’. Yet the industry is often overlooked as a career pathway,” Nielsen said.
“ASGA is shifting this narrative by directing its resources toward initiatives that strengthen capability, modernise skills, and showcase the industry’s future.
“Our focus this year includes supporting the integration of adaptive manufacturing technologies and ensuring the workforce is equipped for the evolving needs of the construction and fabrication sectors.”
An important part of this effort is raising awareness of industry achievements through the ASGA National Sign & Graphics Awards, which celebrate excellence, innovation, craftsmanship, and emerging talent.
“ASGA’s priorities remain clear: strengthen training pathways, expand access to high-quality learning opportunities, modernise qualifications, and continue building a skilled and adaptable workforce. By bringing together industry, educators, training providers, and government, the association is helping ensure the next generation of sign professionals is equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry,” Nielsen added.
Source
- Sprinter (2026-08-17) - Original article: Leading workforce development across the signage sector
