Visual Connections has announced a new alliance with the Re-Engineering Australia Foundation, with the aim of boosting participation and awareness of the print, graphics and signage industries among Australian students.
The industry organisation said the partnership with REA, which encourages student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, would 'breathe new life' into the largest manufacturing industry in Australia. "This alliance with REA will bring awareness amongst young people as to the varied and interesting careers available within the wider printing and sign industries and give a face to an industry that many don’t understand could be a viable career choice," said John Wall, president of Visual Connections. "It will hopefully lead to an increase in apprenticeships and skilled resource to our members and to the wider industry."
REA runs a number of STEM competitions in Australian schools, including F1 in Schools, 4x4 in Schools, Entrepreneurs in Schools, and SUBS in Schools, in which students in REA's competitions must brand their teams, design their pit displays, present their technical portfolios and decorate their F1 cars, off road vehicles and submarines, according to an REA press release.
The focus on creating visual images and strong designs in these competitions has generated interest in the graphic arts industry from participating schools, said Dr Michael Myers OAM, chairman, REA. "As we continually seek to influence the career motivations of students there is a natural fit with Visual Connections and their member companies.
"The next step for us is to inform schools about the new alliance and encourage them to connect with their local print, graphics and signage businesses. We will be asking schools to let us know their mentoring requirements and we will work with Visual Connections to link people in these industries with schools and students," Myers said.
As part of the alliance, REA will display an F1 racing track and car at the Visual Impact show in Sydney from October 11-13, and Visual Connections representatives will participate as judges at F1 in Schools finals across Australia.
