Currie truck a hit at Melbourne career expo

Staff from RMIT’s International Centre of Graphic Technology (ICGT) used the iconic Currie mobile showroom to demonstrate the latest print technology at The Age VCE and Careers Expo last weekend.

Thousands of visitors flocked to Caulfield Racecourse for the annual event where the big brightly coloured Currie truck proved a standout among the exhibitors.

ICGT people were kept busy talking to a constant stream of prospective students about the career opportunities in the printing and graphic arts industry.  They were able to guide them through activities and demonstrations on the very latest equipment.

One of the favourite activities on offer in the Currie truck was the Horizon BQ-150 Perfect Binder, where visitors got the chance to put together their own sketchpad.  Those who had a go at printing posters on the Indigo Press 5500 were able to witness first hand the immediacy and quality of digital printing. Produced using the unique HP Indigo liquid electro photographic technology, the prints were proof of the transformation that digital technology has made in the industry.

Everyone wanted to come inside the HP Currie truck.

“Currie Group has a long history of support and association with RMIT and the industry in general. We recognise the value of reaching out to young students to show that the printing industry is a high-tech, sophisticated industry worthy of a career choice,” said Phil Rennell, digital manager of Currie Group.

Robert Black, RMIT director, praised David Currie’s ongoing involvement and support of the colleges strategy of school engagement. “Full credit to David who really does get behind and believe in our school engagement strategy. It [the Currie truck] greatly enhances our process to engage with career teachers and student in the vital years 10 to 12.”

Black made the point that now is a good time for the industry to take on apprentices. He warned that during the last recession printing companies backed off from training and when the good times came around the industry suffered a  crippling lack of trained labour.

The three-day expo attracted over 25,000 visitors and despite the chilly weather on Sunday, the numbers did not wain and there was a steady flow of visitors to the truck throughout the three days.  

Pictured: Students flock to the Curries Truck to see the power of print.