Call for industry input for new sign qualification
The sign industry has long-suffered from a lack of available training and qualifications to encourage new talent into the industry, but the first step has been made to change that.
Thursday, 02 May 2019 10:52 GMT
Sign technician in training at Signs Express
A sign industry apprenticeship trailblazer group has cleared the first hurdle towards achieving a new NVQ Level 3 Signage Technician apprenticeship for the industry.
The group is formed by chair Jeff Bufton of Signs Express, vice-chair Fay Lea of BAM Nuttall Signs, David Allen of Allen Signs, Linda Edwards of Sussex Signs, David Catanach of ISA-UK and Clive Mitchell of Walsall College, with support from not-for-profit organisation Cogent Skills.
The group has received confirmation from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IATE) that its occupation proposal for the NVQ qualification has been agreed, and work can now begin to develop the detail of the training standard for a sign industry apprenticeship.
Jeff Bufton, head of operations at Signs Express UK, comments on the success: “We are delighted to have reached this first, and critical, milestone in the apprenticeship framework process. We have demonstrated that the mix of skill-sets required for a successful career in signs and graphics is unique.
We have demonstrated that the mix of skill-sets required for a successful career in signs and graphics is unique”
The fact that the Institute’s Board have recognised “Signage Technician” as an occupation requiring a specific qualification is extremely positive for our whole industry and those who choose to work in it.”
David Catanach, director of ISA-UK, powered by BSGA, adds: “Education, and continued professional development, for people working in our industry is a priority for us as an organisation, hence we are part of the trailblazing group.
“We’re committed to ensuring that the NVQ Level 3 Signage Technician apprenticeship is a practical and aspirational training scheme; providing employers with highly-skilled and professional team members.”
But the hard work has just begun, and the group is looking to the industry for further support in securing the future of the new qualification.
Bufton adds: “However, to enable us to develop a standard that the IATE will endorse, it is vital that we now have input from more employers within the sign industry. This is an unprecedented opportunity for people who are passionate about their profession to influence the sign industry apprenticeship of the future.
Education, and continued professional development, for people working in our industry is a priority for us”
“What are the essential skills for a signage technician to enable them to design, make and install signs? How do we devise a qualification that is robust, well-respected and fit for purpose not just today, but also years into the future?”
Lea echoes the call for support: “Whilst our core group has done really well to create the initial framework for the apprenticeship, we’re calling for more employers in the sign industry to join us and contribute their experience and knowledge to the development of the new Signage Technician training standard.
“To ensure this qualification is valuable and future-proof we need input from as many businesses as possible so would urge anyone who is committed to the future of our industry to get in touch.”
The next group meeting takes place on Wednesday, May 15th at 10.30am at BAM Nuttall Signs in Winsford, and anyone interested in contributing is encouraged to attend, with dial-in options available for those unable to attend in person.
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