Since its inception in 2007, family owned print business Queensland Trade Print at Warana on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has been focused on delivering the very best quality, service and product range to its clientele.
With qualified tradespeople increasingly difficult to find, they’ve always made training an integral part of the mix. Over the years, the company has had several apprentices and is likely to invest in even more of their staff in future now that they have access to the new Future Print training model which offers ‘on the job’ training and competency based assessment.
The comment comes from Production Leader Garth Austin when discussing finishing apprentice David Smith.
David was the first in Australia to sign on for an apprenticeship under the new model, and Garth says both David and the company are delighted with the benefits Future Print has delivered. “David started in our finishing department as an ‘offsider’ four years ago, and quickly proved his worth with his aptitude and willingness to learn,” explains Garth. “Offering him the opportunity to gain his qualifications – and the rewards that come with that – is an important way we can recognise his contribution and value and of course, invest in our business future.”
Two years ago, David was offered the opportunity to do an apprenticeship but the traditional model, which would have taken him four years and also required him to travel to Brisbane for trade school blocks. This was neither appealing to him nor convenient for his employer, leading him to turn down the opportunity.
“Another two years went by before we were approached by Future Print Advisor John Scott, who told us about the new training model which would allow David to learn on the job right here in our factory and to progress at his own pace. It wasn’t long before we had David signed up and on his way.” According to Garth, David’s existing knowledge base and experience is already of enormous value to the business.
Once he has completed his apprenticeship it will mean there is another qualified print finisher available for production shifts, which adds value to the Queensland Trade Print Team.
“It can be difficult to find good trades people, particularly if you’re not in one of the major cities, so training makes good sense for us,” Garth explains. “Plus, it gives you the advantage of retaining good staff who already know your business, your clients and your operating environment. We’ve always believed in training and the Future Print model has removed all the inconvenience from the equation, working out much better for David and for us.”
David agrees, saying the thought of having to regularly travel to Brisbane for training blocks simply made the idea of apprenticeships too difficult in the past and also left his employer short-staffed. “The Future Print training is perfect for me,” he says. “It means I can learn here on the job in Warana, which is more convenient for me and also means we can fully staff both shifts. With the knowledge and experience I’ve already gained over my time here, I should be able to complete my qualifications in about two and a half years, which is fantastic.” David completed his first training block in the middle of the year and with ongoing competency-based assessments, expects to complete his ‘first year’ by September.
“The opportunity Future Print has provided for us and for David is invaluable, and we are delighted with the way he is progressing,” says Garth. “Training is so vital and with the advantages offered by this new system, we already have another employee earmarked to start Future Print training as soon as we’re able to make it happen.”
Future Print
www.futureprint.org.au
Queensland Trade Print
www.qldtradeprint.com.au
