pushes careers to 20,000 students
“The one area that is overwhelmingly popular for our industry is computer based graphic design, but the other sections of the industry just aren’t seen as being interesting or attractive to many school leavers,” he said.
These were some of the conclusions drawn from Printing Industries' representation at the seven major School Careers Expos held recently across NSW.
Business Development Officer Brian Haines (pictured spreading the good word) is Printing Industries key contact for school based careers and Vocational Education and Training (VET) information.
Since May this year he has represented the Association and the industry over 10 days at the following Careers Expos: -
“The one area that is overwhelmingly popular for our industry is computer based graphic design, but the other sections of the industry just aren’t seen as being interesting or attractive to many school leavers,” he said.In total, over 20,000 NSW students in years 10, 11 and 12 have been exposed to career choices and information about the NSW Printing Industry through Brian’s expert knowledge.
“Overall, the majority of students seem to be going on to university; but for those that aren’t, the printing industry just isn’t on their radar,” Haines said.
“They nearly all said they don’t know anything about the printing industry. Those that did only knew about our industry because someone they knew was already in the printing game.
“Other industries like automotive, building trades, armed forces and policing held the top-of-mind for students and were the most popular, probably because those industries had invested in, and done a better job, of selling their industry as a career than our industry has done so far.”
The most common questions from student still related to ‘how long is the apprenticeship’ and ‘what is the rate of pay?’
“A common complaint from students about all trades was the necessity to still have to complete a four year term of apprenticeship, although this is now about to change with the recent Federal Government / COAG announcements,” said Haines.
Printing Industries is undertaking a rigorous review of the proposed new training regime and career pathways information which will be released shortly for input and comment from the industry.
Fuller said it was clear there was a problem when the many and varied printing industry careers are not even a consideration by a majority of impending school leavers.
“This means that our industry has a lot of work, investment, and a long way to go if it is to be regarded as a career of first choice,” he said.
Generation Y‘ers (those born 1981-’95) are highly diverse; seek information both on-line and off-line; respond to trendy, popular, and creative marketing; but shun heavy brand-named commercialisation. Welcome to your future workforce.