Changes to apprenticeship training in Australia under the recently-concluded Future Print apprenticeship project have resulted in a new focus, revised content and restructured delivery, says Bill Healey.

Healey, who heads up the Future Print initiatives for employers' group Printing Industries, says youth employment and apprenticeships - flagged as a major issue in the lead up to the federal election - have been a key focus in the print and graphic communications sector for some time.

The recently completed Future Print apprenticeship project delivered changes "which should see this area of training improved and revitalised," he says. Moving responsibility for the way industry qualifications are developed and monitored last year to newly-formed Industry Reference Committees will provide a more focused approach to training packages.

Healey chairs the IRC for print and graphic arts and says further information on the new arrangements will be circulated throughout the industry in the near future by the group's SSO, Price Waterhouse Coopers 'Skills for Australia'.

"One of the final tasks completed by the former Industry Skills Council, IBSA, was a review of the existing ICP Printing & Graphic Arts Training Package which has led to a completely revised package. It is simpler and more aligned to the future needs of the industry," Healey says.

Eleven existing Certificate III apprenticeship qualification areas have been consolidated into three new ones - Print Communications, Printing and Print Manufacturing - and a single Certificate II Printing qualification will support school based and pre- apprenticeship programmes. Healey says the structure and delivery of training has also been revamped in response to employer expectations, with Future Print confirming that employers supported some 'release' time to attend classroom instruction.

"This combination of blended learning promotes externally delivered course work, on-the-job training and online modules to make the most of different delivery models and ensure that learnings are brought back into the workplace and translated into meaningful experience and genuine competencies. It also provides improved return on investment for the employer, as the apprentice is at work for a greater proportion of their time."