Visual Connections supports new Trade Pathways Program in NSW

Good news for the NSW industry with the announcement on Friday that the State Department of Education has approved funding for Regional Trade Assessments, an RTO dedicated to supporting skills training in the print, signage and framing industries, to deliver the new Trade Pathways Program.

The Program is essentially 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 will be 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.

Peter Harper, CEO of supplier association Visual Connections, which has a long history supporting trade apprenticeships and training in the print, sign and graphic communications sector, 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 the brightest and best workers in the sign and display sector 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 New South Wales, 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.”

Regional Trade Assessments provides nationally recognised qualifications including CPC30216 Cert III in Signs and Graphics.

They can be contacted via www.rta.edu.au

Full details of the new government program is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/trade-pathways