Key Industry Sector - Printing & Media

 

The printing and graphic arts industry plays a key role in the commercial operations of many other industries through the manufacture of products including books, newspapers, magazines, packaging, posters, signs, advertising materials, t-shirts and other fabrics, and CDs.

The industry covers a wide range of functions from the creation of images and layouts (design); the preparation of these for printing (pre-press); reproduction by a number of processes (press or printing); and the assembly of final products (post press or finishing). In addition, a number of other related functions are included such as ink manufacture.

Sectors within the industry include:

Pre-press
Press
Post-press
Newspapers
Commercial
Packaging
Graphic design and multimedia
Screen printing
Mailhouse

While growth in the industry has declined in recent years with new technologies replacing some traditional occupations, there are growing opportunities in ancillary areas and digital production.

The Printing and Graphic Arts Training Package ICP99 details competency standards and qualifications that are recognised nationally by industry and training regulators. Qualifications range from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma in general and specialist areas including carton, graphics, ink manufacture, mail houses, printing and finishing, and screen printing.

The Printing and Graphic Arts Training Package is currently being reviewed and it is expected that the endorsement process will begin soon with the updated Package available early in the New Year.