ASGA meets with manufacturing industry skills alliance on industry classification & training

Following recent meetings with Federal Government advisors, ASGA President Mick Harrold has held an in-depth meeting with Philip Clarke, Special Advisor and Chris Hudson, Industry Engagement Partner, from the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MISA).

The meeting was the next step in ASGA's campaign to raise the profile of the sign, print and graphics sector with government decision-makers. Discussions with MISA focused on substantiating the association’s contention that the signage and wide-format print industry should rightly be considered part of the Manufacturing Sector and its current classification under Construction and exploring opportunities to boost training and skills development.

MISA is the manufacturing industry's Jobs and Skills Council (JSC). Industry-owned and industry-led, it works with employers, unions, educators, learners, governments and other stakeholders to support the development of the skilled workforces which enable modern manufacturing and associated industries to succeed.

One of its key functions is to identify and deliver the workforce skills needed for a strong, competitive and sustainable economy. It does this through partnerships between industry and the vocational education and training sector and by advocating for the industry, working closely with the government to create efficient and sustainable training systems – vital for our industry's future.

Mick invited the MISA delegation to meet at his business, Visual Exposure, in Sunshine in Melbourne's West, where he was able to provide a more 'hands-on' understanding of the diversity and outputs of sign, print and graphics businesses.

After a briefing that covered the size and scope of the industry, the challenges the sector is facing, and the skills required to capitalise on opportunities for growth and development, Philip and Chris toured the operation, where a range of projects from channel lettering to illuminated signage, printed pylon signs and digital billboards were in production.

They then shared the role MISA plays in supporting the industry and the potential opportunities available to ASGA and its members.

This included a productive discussion about how the sign, print and graphics sector is classified, the potential for the sector to be included under ‘Manufacturing’ for government purposes, and its current classification of ‘Construction’.

“Following our recent meetings with government advisors, we were very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, and we are grateful to Phil and Chris for taking the time to come out and get a better understanding of the signage industry,” Harrold said after the meeting.

“JSCs play such an important role in supporting and advocating for industry, and they do so in partnership with those industries. These initial discussions have set a foundation for an ongoing partnership. While there is some further investigation needed and more discussions to be had, I am sure the conversation started today will continue and lead to some very positive outcomes.

“Certainly, the ASGA will continue to pursue all opportunities to meet with ministers, ministerial staff and organisations like MISA to further the interests of our members and all those involved in our sector,” concluded Harrold.