VMA supports Breaking Barriers: Women in Trades and Tech initiative

The Visual Media Association (VMA) has announced its support for the Breaking Barriers: Women in Trades and Tech initiative, working with the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), training providers and industry to create stronger, practical pathways for women into print, packaging, sign and visual media manufacturing careers.

Kellie Northwood, VMA Chief Executive Officer, says: “Workforce and skills shortages are one of the most significant challenges facing our industry. At the same time, women remain under-represented across many of our skilled manufacturing and trade roles. We see a very real opportunity with this initiative to address both.”

This Breaking Barriers: Women in Trades and Tech initiative is being progressed under the Australian Government’s Building Women’s Careers Program, which is focused on increasing women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated industries and occupations.

Northwood adds: “This isn’t simply about promoting manufacturing careers to women. We want to build tangible pathways that allow women to experience our industry, understand the opportunities available, connect with employers and training providers, and ultimately enter and succeed in apprenticeships and long-term careers.”

The VMA will work alongside the AMWU to support the delivery of introductory opportunities for women to explore careers within the printing industry, complementing the Association’s existing investment in apprentices and emerging industry talent. A key element will be direct engagement with VMA employer members, including opportunities for participating businesses to open their manufacturing sites for industry tours and workplace experiences.

Northwood notes: “There is still an outdated perception of what a career in print looks like. Walk into a modern print, packaging or sign manufacturing facility and you will find sophisticated digital technology, automation, colour management, robotics, advanced finishing, data and highly skilled production teams. We want women considering a trade or technical career to be able to walk into those environments, meet the people working there and see the career possibilities for themselves.”

The initiative will complement the VMA’s existing The Inkers – Make Your Mark emerging talent program, which supports apprentices, trainees and early-career professionals through industry connection, networking and professional development. The Association sees the opportunity to create a continuum from initial attraction and industry exposure through to apprenticeship, employment and ongoing career support. The VMA will also work with TAFEs and training providers to help connect prospective participants with appropriate education and apprenticeship pathways.

Industry support will also form an important part of the initiative, with VMA partner Ricoh Australia supporting efforts to increase the visibility of career opportunities for women across print and visual media. Tina Economou, Managing Director, Ricoh Australia says: “There are tremendous career opportunities for women across print and visual media manufacturing, from production and technology through to technical services, sustainability, sales and leadership.”

“Creating pathways is important, but so too is making those careers visible. Women need opportunities to see these workplaces firsthand, understand the roles available and meet people already building successful careers in the industry. Bringing employers, training providers and industry together can help make those opportunities much more accessible.”

Northwood adds: “We don’t want our contribution to stop at awareness. We want women entering apprenticeships, employers opening their doors, TAFEs connecting participants with training and our existing emerging-talent programs helping support people once they enter the industry.”

Related

Sponsors locked in for PacPrint 2025 FESPA Australia Announce Candidates for the 2024 Future Leaders Program Spandex and Currie Group confirm Sponsorship of National Sign & Graphics Awards JCDecaux included in CDP’s A List for the third-year running