New signmaking apprenticeship
A new apprenticeship programme for the signmaking industry introduced in 2018, gives workers the skills they need to succeed. The apprenticeship includes optional strands in traditional signwriting, three-dimensional sign fabrication and digital signage.
As the signmaking sector is a niche sector that is continuing to change and improve with the introduction of new technology and processes, this was developed in partnership with leading Kiwi signmakers to ensure it is modern and practical.
The businesses we work with need talented people and our industry partners agree these new programmes are designed to foster that talent, now and in the future.
Apprentices learn on-the-job and complete assessments over three and a half to four years, gaining a New Zealand Certificate in Signmaking Level 4 and a formal New Zealand Apprenticeship.
Skilled workforce critical for success
There’s a lot of focus right now on the skills’ shortage in New Zealand. Infometrics data shows that 1,900 people were employed in the signmaking sector in 2017, and more than 670 will be needed by 2022 to replace workers who retire or leave.
More than 40% of people working in the sector have no postschool qualification, and we would like to see that number reduce.