Mick Harrold, president of the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA), represented the sign manufacturing and wide-format print sectors at the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (MISA) National Workforce Forum in Melbourne.
“It was a valuable opportunity to connect with industry leaders and hear from the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, alongside renowned economist Saul Eslake, on the macroeconomic forces and shifting trends shaping our future,” Harrold said.
According to Harrold, a few key takeaways from the discussions that hit close to home for the sector include:
- The industry boundary: Manufacturing in Australia represents 870,000 people, and many in ASGA bridge the space between precision manufacturing and on-site construction.
- The skills and diversity challenge: 9 in 10 new jobs in Australia now require formal qualifications. Crucially, trades in Australia remain among the most gender-segregated in the world.
- Our geographic paradox: Eslake highlighted how high international shipping costs create a natural competitive advantage for local manufacturers producing large, bulky visual and structural assets.
- The productivity mandate: Harrold said that according to multiple speakers, we must lift productivity and investing in areas where productivity is high or can be improved, with many reinforcing that productivity is driven by management and leadership, not the shop floor.
“Thirty years ago, a large part of our industry was tradespeople with brushes in their hands,” Harrold pointed out. “Today, we are a high-tech industry employing the most cutting-edge tools. To stay competitive and profitable, our mindset has to match our equipment.”
So, what does this mean for signage companies moving forward? According to Harrold, businesses need to:
- Invest in the future: Commit to adopting new technologies and upgrading business systems to drive efficiency and profitability.
- Champion skills: Continue to learn and train staff, and ensure to actively value and reward the team members who undergo that training.
- Step up as leaders: Actively manage businesses and staff, even when it is hard.
“Every industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Good businesses rely on good, well-trained leaders to navigate that change. It was great to see the sign and graphics industry well-represented at these vital national discussions,” Harrold said.
“At ASGA, we are working hard to deliver new training options to Australia including partnering with the International Sign Association to deliver 60+ online training courses, helping to bring Make it Happen Signage Academy ANZ signage training to Australia, and conducting ongoing discussions with both the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance and BuildSkills Australia about national training options."
Harrold said more announcements will be made in this space from the Association as the year goes on.
