Issue 20 – 2006
1. Wage Survey
Printing Industries Victoria is currently conducting a wage survey for staff involved in our industry, including administration, sales, printers, assistants, finishers etc. The deadline for the survey is 31 May. If you would like the results of the survey you must participate; the survey is not available to companies who do not contribute. If you have misplaced your copy of the survey form and want to contribute, please contact Jim Hargrave.
2. RMIT’s Pre Apprenticeship Course
The International Centre for Graphic Technology in Brunswick will be running a Pre-Apprenticeship Program commencing July 3. As the name suggests, the program is designed to give students the opportunity to learn what career and apprenticeship opportunities are available in our industry and to “try before you buy”. Where appropriate, credits will be given for further training. If you know of anyone who would be interested in undertaking this course, please contact Fay Mitchell at RMIT Brunswick or phone 03 9925 9446.
3.
Recycling at any costs is poor policy: Productivity Commission
draft
Waste management needs
to be refocused, with policy guided by a "rigorous analysis of costs, benefits
and risks" rather than unrealistic recycling targets, according to the
Productivity Commission's draft report into Waste Generation and Resource
Efficiency.
"Recycling can be good up to a point," said Commissioner Phillip
Weickhardt, "but there are diminishing returns from recycling and there will be
costs to the community where it is pushed too far – recycling itself consumes
resources". Public response invited until July
7.
5. China ambition to become global print giant
The Chinese government plans to intensively develop the country’s print industry over the next five years. Long Xinmin, Director of general administration of press and publications, announced at the country’s International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF) that the printing sector is expected to grow by eight per cent annually. Print currently accounts for two per cent of the country’s GDP, a figure that is set to rise to 2.5 per cent by 2010.
Printing Industries, CEO, Philip Andersen, said the developments do not come as a surprise, with the local organisation already aware of the Chinese government’s involvement with the industry and feedback suggesting the country will be a leader in the not too distant future.
“What it means for our industry is that we will really have to identify new ways in which we can create a competitive advantage.” To read more go to Printnet.
Print 21 Online
6.
Innovation Report Reveals Strengths in Science and
Innovation
The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, released the Australian Government’s Innovation Report 2005-06, on Thursday 18 May. This was the fifth innovation report since Backing Australia’s Ability was announced in 2001. The report identifies Australian businesses as the largest performers of R&D, noting that business expenditure on R&D is at the highest recorded level. A record number of small and medium sized firms obtained support through the R&D Tax Offset which helps small companies undertake innovative research and development. The Minister’s press release can be found here.
7. Australian Greeting Card Association
The Australian Greeting Card Association’s Annual Award night will be held on Tuesday, 13 June at the River Room, Crown. Winners of 23 categories will be announced as well as “Australia Post Card of the Year”. If you would like to attend this gala evening, please contact Michelle Eeles.
8. Printing Apprenticeship Wanted
The Doncaster student seeking a printing apprenticeship is still available. If you wish to interview him, please contact Michelle Eeles.
9. Training Courses
Costing and
Estimating for
Printers July
10, 11
Print Sales July 20, 21, August 3, 4
Customer Service that Excels September 13
Print Production Management October 11, 12, 13
New Manager/Supervisor October 4, 5, 6
Go to Printnet or contact Michelle for a complete list of our upcoming training courses.
10. What’s On
To find out What’s on in the world of print go to What’s On
And Finally
The public transport system in Melbourne has really gone down hill since the Commonwealth Games, at the MCG last night during the soccer, not one tram arrived!
The Team at Printing Industries Association of Australia
18-20 Queens Avenue
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Ph 03 9291 5333
Fx 03 9819 6292
michelle@printnet.com.au
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