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Skills & Training

Overview.

Welcome to our Skills & Training section which includes overviews of the Skills & Training tools and programs available from government today, however as a key priority for the Association, we will be adding more programs to this section as we develop our new focus on Skills & Training for our future workforce. With approximately 258,000 skilled professionals across nine distinct apprenticeship programs and numerous traineeships, our industry offers empowering and rewarding employment opportunities across Australia.

Here, you’ll find a wealth of information on apprenticeship programs, training courses, and career development pathways. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to kickstart your career or a seasoned veteran aiming to stay ahead of the curve, our Skills & Training web page is your go-to destination. Join us on this journey of skill enhancement and career advancement and unlock the boundless opportunities that the print and related services industry has to offer.

If you are either an apprentice, a new talent to our industry or an employer looking to employ an apprentice or have existing apprentices working in your business, please contact [email protected] with any queries or assistance you may need. Let’s shape a brighter future together.

Employer Guide to Hiring an Apprentice or Trainee.

View here

Apprenticeships and Traineeships are formal on-the-job training arrangements between an employer and an employee that can lead to a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships and Traineeships are undertaken via formally registered training contracts that set out the training and supervision an employer must provide for the employee, as well as the employee’s obligations as an apprentice.

The Employer Guide to Hiring an Apprentice or Trainee assist your business to navigate the path federally and state by state to ensure you are well-informed to organise the training contract and determine which Registered Training Organisation (RTO) your apprentice will attend to complete their off-the-job training. There are compliance matters when hiring an apprentice as well as grant and funding opportunities, this guide will assist you explore the best options for your business.

Our industry Award, the Graphic Arts Printing and Publishing Award, and other potentially relevant Awards, contain a range of additional Apprentice and Trainee entitlements and obligations that are specific to our industry, so be mindful and contact [email protected] should you have further questions.

To get started, use this guide to step your way to successful apprentice and training employment.

Australian Schools Industry Partnership Incorporated (AUSSIP).

The Visual Media Association is a proud partner in the Visual Connections Education Program which is run by AusSip and includes education and awareness to Year 10, 11 and 12 students about the industry through Career Expos. Activities such as ‘Try-A-Trade’ and discussions with career advisors and TAFE partners are included to raise awareness about the wonderful career opportunities across our industry. This is followed by attendance at careers expos around the country to promote industry opportunities and, finally, industry taster days to give students with a qualified interest in apprenticeships a hands-on immersive experience in a real commercial environment.

With AusSIP’s expertise, collective support of industry sponsors, and Associations (FESPA Australia, the Flexible Packaging & Label Makers Association (FPLMA), the Lithographic Institute of Australia (LIA)), the program runs cross Australia and encompasses all of industry. To register your interest in being involved in a site tour or traineeships please email [email protected]

The Smith Family Youth Employment Program.

School Leavers

VMA is a proud partner of The Smith Family and their Work Inspiration program, an employer-led initiative that provides young people with opportunities to experience the world of work first-hand in a meaningful and inspiring way.

To successfully navigate the transition to work, young people need to be motivated, engaged, and have realistic job expectations, sharing the workplaces and opportunities is key to this. Young people facing disadvantage often lack the opportunities and support to acquire this knowledge which is why we support Work Inspiration and engage in School Leaver sessions across the country.

To register your interest in sharing your story or offering cadetships and tours in your business to young School Leavers please contact [email protected].

 

Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance.

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance is the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) for the manufacturing industry. It is an industry owned and industry led organisation supporting the development of skilled workforces that enable modern manufacturing (including print) and associated industries to succeed.

It brings together employers, unions and governments in a tripartite arrangement to find solutions to skills and workforce challenges for the manufacturing industry.

Kellie Northwood, Chief Executive of the Visual Media Association, holds a current Board position on the Manufacturing Alliance Board.

 

What is a Jobs and Skills Council (JSC)?

Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) were established by the Australian government to serve as a platform for industry representatives, unions, and employers to come together in a tripartite approach. Their primary objective is to identify and facilitate the development of workforce skills necessary for a robust, competitive, and sustainable economy.

These councils play a vital role in advocating for industry, working in close partnership with the government to build an efficient training system that ensures sustainable prosperity for workers, employers, and the broader Australian economy. They address system-wide barriers from a labour market perspective, with a strong emphasis on workforce needs and skills development, and forge robust partnerships between industry and the vocational education and training sector.

Each industry sector has a JSC appointed to represent their industry, the Manufacturing Alliance includes light manufacturing and specifically, print manufacturing.

Apprentices and Trainee Resources.

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Suite 6, 151 Barkly Avenue,

Burnley VIC 3121

[email protected]

+61 3 9421 2206

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London Mills

Manager – Strategic Projects

London brings a strong stakeholder and event management background across multiple industries.  

Having worked across the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia in various disciplines, London’s eclectic work background well equips her as she returns to the print and visual media industry.  

London manages the strategic projects and Sustainable Green Print programme for the Visual Media Association. 

Contact: [email protected]

Holly Masters

Board Member

Holly oversees all the operational aspects at Morgan Printing, managing finance, new business ventures, and handling the creative dimensions of marketing, web, and social media. Since purchasing the company in 2013 alongside her husband Tony, she has committed to sharing the artistry of print and its place as a marketing and communication method. From an extensive corporate background to family business ownership, Holly brings a fresh approach and representation of small businesses and print communication. Looking ahead, she aspires to broaden Morgan Printing’s clientele, showcasing the diverse printing capabilities the company offers. Beyond her professional role, Holly is a devoted wife and mother to two daughters. Holly is an active member of multiple community committees, embodying the ethos of dedication and community service. 

Kirsty Woodhead

Board Member

Kirsty, a seasoned professional in the printing industry, owns and directs the small family business with her partner Luke, Breen Printing, located in regional Victoria. With a background rooted in education and graphic pre-press, Kirsty began her career as an apprentice at Breen Printing, steadily advancing through the ranks, gaining diverse business experience. In July 2020, amidst Victoria’s second lockdown, Kirsty, along with her husband Luke, assumed ownership of Breen Printing from Kirsty’s parents, Merinda and Derek Jones, originally founded by Peter Breen in 1973. The Jones’s bought the business in 1985 which meant that Kirsty was raised surrounded by all things print. Not surprisingly, Kirsty is passionate about employing and nurturing apprentices at Breen Printing as they enter the industry. Kirsty absolutely knows every aspect and detail of the print process and her commitment to industry leadership is underscored by the strategic direction she provides as a Board Director, contributing to the Association’s overarching objectives.

Tony Bertrand

Board Member

Tony, an established Sales and Marketing Professional with over two decades of experience spanning various industries, thrives on tackling new challenges. His role is akin to that of a Chef, skilfully selecting the right ingredients for optimal results. Tony’s passion lies in driving change and fostering growth within organisations to maximise their potential. With a rich background in Operations, Sales & Marketing, Strategy, Commercial, and General Management in both B2B and B2C settings, he excels in delivering enhanced outcomes, both culturally and financially. As the Head of Marketing at Ball & Doggett for over six years, Tony focuses on being the best version of himself, building high-performing teams, engaging individuals, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional Customer Experience (CX).

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Rodney Frost

Honorary Treasurer

Growing up in a family business, literally stained with ink and industry, Rodney began his internship as a 12-year-old boy, sweeping floors and learning everything about the business he now commands from the ground up. A well-recognised and respected leader of not only The Lamson Group, but also the broader industry from mail to print to supply and customer. A true trade house, Rodney carries a clear integrity measure of what he says he will do, he does. It is this culture of nurture, trust and legacy within the arms of a family-owned business that is the reason his team have long tenure, his clients remain loyal and his suppliers hold him in the highest regard.

Written in his DNA, Rodney is a clear custodian of maintaining a voice for the family-owned businesses across the industry. A believer in sharing networks, knowledge and vision, building value in membership and a better together approach. One team, one dream is his mantra for the Association and industry vision.

Nick Tuit

Board Member

Nick has owned and operated a Kwik Kopy franchise in Circular Quay, Sydney for the past sixteen years. The Circular Quay business which stands in the top decile of the national print franchise network. Nick also runs the largest graphic design studio in the Kwik Kopy network under the sub brand 121Creative and specialises in Annual Reports and corporate documentation. During the Covid pandemic he expanded into the Northern Beaches with the purchase of Kwik Kopy Frenchs Forest. 

Nick has been an active member of the Kwik Kopy Owners Association of which he spent five years as Chairman.  During his tenure he was instrumental in bringing the KKOA as a group membership into the Print Industry Association of Australia (now PVCA) and implementing the Sustainable Green Print certification across the Kwik Kopy network. Nick joined the PVCA Board in January 2022 and is passionate about sustainability and building the industry advocacy for our environmental credentials.

Walter Kuhn

Board Member

Walter is the Managing Director of Kuhn Corp in Brisbane. Commencing his career as an apprentice Fitter Machinist (Mechanical Engineer) and after four years specialised in Maintenance within the mining sector. Following a workplace accident prevented Walter from continuing in the minerals and resource sector and led him to a sales role with Wilkie Printers where he was instrumental in developing specialised ticketing systems for Expo88 and various other events and venues. In 1989, Walter founded Panther Print which he sold after three years to then found Kuhn Corp Press in 1993 and Kuhn Corp Packaging in 1999. He joined the Printing Industries Association, later PVCA, Board in 2016 and soon became President until 2021 where after serving the full term, became the Deputy President until 2022.

John Georgantzakos

Board Member

John is the Managing Director of Spotpress, a business he has built over three decades. John holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and has also studied Printing and Graphic Arts. He is a keen entrepreneur, having worked across many industries, including print and publishing, event management over his past forty years. John employs over 120 staff and has a keen interest in all things related to design and communication.

Tom Eckersley

Board Member

Tom is an intelligent, considered and well-learned industry leader with over 31 years at the helm of Eckersley Print Group. Holding qualifications across business management, graphics arts and commerce management, Tom is a well-respected business entrepreneur who plays across the broad spectrum of print and visual communications. Tom is experienced in both family business structures and corporate public company structure and has experience in acquisitions and thereby the subsequent re-positioning and re-engineering to build a united business group.

Tom is committed to improving the profile, position, application and even the definition of the “Print Industry”. He does this in his pursuit to broaden the industry purview. He recognises the changing nature of the industry and it’s evolving and growing reach into so many facets of the world in which we live.

Simon Carmody

Board Member

Simon is the Managing Director of Spot Productions a business he has built from his father’s business, Spot the Printer, after selling his share in Image Studio and Print, which he sold in 2007. With over twenty-four years as a business owner, Simon’s print blood runs much deeper, starting his career completing a Printing Press Operator trade as a teen. Simon is an icon of industry across Queensland known for his hard-working and honest nature. A fierce defender of his mates and those in need, he has raised money for charities through industry events each and every year he has been in business and continues to work with his industry colleagues building print partnerships to strengthen businesses.

Katherine Fullagar

Manager – Strategic Projects

Having always had a fondness for paper, print and the written word, Katherine has held a variety of publishing and printing roles with some of Australia’s most well-known publishers.

She also brings experience in operations, data and project management in not-for-profit member associations, having developed and implemented a range of services and benefits that bring value to industry professionals.

Her qualifications include a Masters of Publishing and Editing, and Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics).

Contact: [email protected]

Charles Watson

GM – IR, Policy & Governance

Charles has a strong background in workplace relations and corporate governance.

Having worked in some of Australia’s pre-eminent law firms and industry bodies for over 20 years, he has a depth of knowledge and experience across a range of industries. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Laws, post-graduate studies in Industrial Relations Law, and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Additionally, Charles is also a regular contributor to trade press and other media for his commentary, editorial and insight on workplace relations, government and legislative amendment matters.

Contact: [email protected]

Kellie Northwood

Chief Executive Officer

Kellie is the Chief Executive Officer, the Visual Media Association and a strong advocate for the effectiveness and sustainability of media channels that deliver results. She has held several senior executive roles concurrently as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Catalogue Association, Australasian Paper Industry Association, The Real Media Collective NZ, and Executive Director of TSA Limited. She sits on international Committees, across the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.

Kellie is a regular contributor across mainstream and trade media publications.

Contact: [email protected]

Stuart Fysh

Honorary Secretary

Stuart is the Managing Director of The Label Factory based in Perth. From quality self-adhesive to stickers and signage, The Label Factory has been an awarded print business for nearly thirty years. Stuart is a proud contributor to the craft of print, ensuring his team are well trained and skilled across all aspects of label production. The level of commitment to continue training apprentices and investment in new technology demonstrates one eye is always kept on the future.

Over the past two and a half years, in his capacity as a Board Officer of Print & Visual Communication Association, Stuart has raised the profile, and importance, of the growing labels sector across the industry body and helped members navigate the complexities of covid lockdowns and border restrictions.

Matt Aitken

President

Matt is the Chief Executive Officer, IVE Group Limited. In this role Matt is responsible for the major operating divisions of IVE Group (Kalido, Blue Star and IVEO), with 2,000 staff based across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Matt is passionate about customers and staff and is also a key leader in all acquisition related activity for the Group. In his tenure with IVE Group, Matt has been instrumental in the establishment of the IVEO business in 2000 and a key senior executive in the successful public listing of the IVE Group on the ASX in late 2015.

Matt brings both Government and industry leadership. A single industry association representing all of industry across all sectors is one that brings a powerful voice into government and surrounding industries to ensure our industry is recognised and empowered to continue driving a critical part of our communications economy in both Australia and New Zealand.

Kevin Pidgeon

Deputy President

Kevin is the Executive Chairman of Lithocraft with over 55 years’ experience in print operations and senior executive responsibilities, Kevin began his career as a cadet salesman with Peacock Brothers in 1964. He then travelled overseas for four years and worked as salesman in South Africa. He returned to Australia in 1969 and joined Lithocraft as salesman, becoming a partner in 1974. Kevin remains a 50% shareholder to this day, with Lithocraft’s Managing Director, Nick O’Sullivan.
 

Kevin holds a respected position across industry for his considered, fair and authentic approach to business. A leader, with a clear and unapologetic vision on building a strong organisation with a long and sustainable future.