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This report uses the Australian printing industry as a case study to see how a major manufacturing
industry has responded to the issue of skill shortages. It also looks at possible future strategies for
dealing with this problem.
- Finding a solution to skill shortages requires a strategic, coordinated response from three main
groups: industry, the enterprise itself, and training organisations. Industry needs to provide a
strategic, long-term action plan; enterprises must promote solutions within the workplace; and
training providers must broaden their approaches to traditional training.
- Employers in the printing industry are actively addressing skill shortages by strategies that
include introducing new technology to reduce the need for highly qualified staff and putting
pressure on training providers to update the content and delivery of their training.
- Currently, there is a tendency for the industry to invest money in technology rather than to
examine the more complex issue which is at the heart of the skill shortage problem: that
industry lacks both a far-reaching vision and a long-term strategy for dealing with the future
workforce requirements of the printing industry.
- For the printing industry to attract skilled staff, it needs to present a new image: one that is
innovative, tolerant of change, well-paying, and prepared to invest in the skills and career paths
of its employees.
- The industry is one of the first in Australia to design and trial an accelerated apprenticeship as
one strategy for dealing with its skills shortages. However, low wages and current industrial
arrangements are a strong constraint against attracting and retaining high-calibre apprentices.
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