Printing Industries Association of Australia (Printing Industries) says it is “shocked and dismayed” at the sudden announcement by RMIT University to pull out of printing industry training.
Printing Industries CEO Bill Healey said the announcement was “extremely disappointing” but added that it was imperative for the industry to act quickly and collectively to remedy the situation.
“While the announcement is extremely disappointing, we must be proactive in finding a solution, not just for Victoria and Tasmania, but for the industry nationally,” he said.
“Apprenticeship numbers have been declining over many years and all publicly funded training providers have been experiencing difficulties in justifying stand-alone training organisations in their states.
“Industry needs to step in and take control of its own destiny and look to creating a national approach to apprenticeship training.”
Printing Industries General Manager, Sales and Marketing and State Manager, Victoria and Tasmania, Ron Patterson, who has been working with RMIT over a number of years to develop a new approach to industry training, said he was disappointed by the announcement.
“A great many people have been working to create a better system for our apprentices and a modern, relevant curriculum to attract more apprentices into our technologically driven industry, so RMITs decision to bail out is not welcomed,” he said.
“However it won’t deter us and I am confident that any consolidation of training agendas would be welcomed by suppliers who are regularly faced with having to provide expensive equipment to multiple sites.
“Consolidation could lead to a better allocation of costly resources and to closer co-operation with industry.
“We must focus on achieving this as quickly as possible.”
Mr Healey said Printing Industries has been exploring the feasibility of establishing a single national training arrangement to ensure the needs of the printing industry continued to be met into the future.
“Such an arrangement would focus on improved efficiency and better promotion of a nationally consistent training pathway for apprentices. We are currently preparing an application for funding to look at the future of apprenticeships, in conjunction with the Australian Metal Workers Union.
“Given the RMIT announcement, this will need to be fast-tracked,” he said.
Mr Healey said Printing Industries would be meeting with RMIT as matter of urgency to ensure apprentice training in Victoria and Tasmania continues for existing and new apprentices during the 18 month RMIT wind-up period. He called on the Victorian Government to ensure ongoing funding is provided to enable the industry to meet its skill requirements.
“We believe this is essential if our members are to retain a place in the multi channel communication world of the future,” he said.
Printing Industries Association of Australia
www.printnet.com.au
