Printing Industries wants the Queensland State Government to commit to a Skills Plan to meet current and future industry training needs.

Queensland Printing Industries’ General Manager, Neal McLary, said a new collaborative approach to training was necessary to reflect changing industry needs, to meet the career aspirations of the young and to stop the decline in apprenticeship numbers. 

“We need a Skills Plan that addresses the form and functions of the Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts (QSPGA) such as equipment needs, on-line learning, competency based progression, on-the-job training delivery and assessment and training delivery for regional apprentices,” he said. 

Mr McLary said discussions were already underway with the government for its support and funding of a Skills Plan in conjunction with the Southbank Institute of Technology (which QSPGA is part of). 

“As an industry we must work together to ensure that the Skills Plan reflects the views of our members along with the outcomes the industry needs to ensure a robust, reliable future supported by well trained trade and semi skilled individuals," he said.

“There is no doubt that we need a vocational education and training system that is properly resourced and organised so as to enable its’ workforce to develop the skills required to meet the current and future needs of industry. 

“But this will be achieved only if the Industry is fully supportive of the system. This means that the training system must be Industry led and demand driven.

“Employer and employees must be engaged at all levels and the interests of the industry must be at the forefront of any changes to the system that caters for the needs of entry level and existing worker training.”

Mr McLary said that much had been done previously by Printing Industries to reverse the downward apprenticeship trend including a number of accelerated apprenticeship programs and education campaigns.

“We now have an opportunity to do it better and so we need feedback and support from the industry,” he said. 

Mr McLary said he would welcome feedback from the industry on its expectations and needs. He can be contacted via e-mail: nmclary@printnet.com.au or phone 1800 227 425