ASGA MEETS SKILLS ALLIANCE

Following recent meetings with federal government advisors, Asga president Mick Harrold has now held an in-depth meeting with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (Misa).

Harrold met with Philip Clarke, the special Advisor, and Chris Hudson, industry engagement partner, the meeting being the next step in Asga's campaign to raise the profile of the sign, print and graphics sector with government decision-makers.

In particular, discussions with Misa focused on substantiating the association’s contention that the signage and wide-format print industry should rightly be considered part of the manufacturing sector, as well as in its current classification under construction. The time was also used to explore opportunities to boost training and skills development.

Harrold said, “Following our recent meetings with government advisors, we were pleased to have the opportunity to meet with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance and we are grateful to Phil Clarke and Chris Hudson for taking the time to come out and get a better understanding of the signage industry.

“JSCs play such an important role in supporting and advocating for industry and they do so in partnership with those industries. These initial discussions have set a foundation for an ongoing partnership, and while there is some further investigation needed, and more discussions to be had, I am sure the conversation started today will continue and lead to some positive outcomes.

“Certainly, the Asga will continue to pursue all opportunities to meet with ministers, ministerial staff and organisations like Misa to further the interests of our members and all those involved in our sector,” he said.

Harrold invited the Misa delegation to meet at his business, Visual Exposure, in Sunshine in Melbourne's West, where he was able to provide a more hands-on understanding of the diversity and outputs of sign, print and graphics businesses.

After a briefing which covered the size and scope of the industry, the challenges the sector is facing, and the skills required to capitalise on opportunities for growth and development, Clarke and Hudson toured the operation, where a range of projects from channel lettering, to illuminated signage, printed pylon signs and digital billboards were in production.

They then shared the role Misa plays to support industry, and the potential opportunities available to Asga and its members.
Misa is the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) for the manufacturing industry. Industry-owned and industry-led, it works with employers, unions, educators, learners, governments and other stakeholders to support the development of the skilled workforces which enable modern manufacturing and associated industries to succeed.

One of its key functions is to identify and deliver the workforce skills needed for a strong, competitive and sustainable economy. It does this through partnerships between industry and the vocational education and training sector, and by advocating for industry, working closely with government to create efficient and sustainable training systems – something which Asga says is vital for the future of the sign industry.