Hugh Derham, PrintNZ apprentice liaison officer who wrote the original graphics programme in 2000, says trends and technology are changing so fast that the new industry training certificates have been written to allow for modules to be added as needed.
“We are re-writing it now so that all segments of the digital market can have an appropriate training manual.”
The new apprenticeship scheme will offer more large format information and will be available from January next year as two national certificates in levels three and four, before trainees go on to do their on-site apprenticeships.
He is currently calling on all suppliers in this area to submit information on their products so they can be included.
“We’re looking for information on substrates like papers, vinyls, films board etc and any new ones, plus inks, all finishing products and display units.
“I need a lot of information from suppliers so that we can keep apprentices informed on new trends and applications.”
Hugh believes a lot of screen printers will also need re-training in the future as it becomes uneconomic to screen print some of the larger one-off jobs.