Signmaking
The Signmaking Apprenticeship has been designed to meet the requirements of the signmaking industry. The Intermediate Level and Advanced Level Apprenticeships deal with the design, production and installation of all sorts of signs, from those displayed on company entrances to the advertising hoardings you see around football pitches.
The signmaking process involves many diverse skills, from graphic design through to electrical engineering and incorporates materials such as perspex, vinyl, plastic, metal and glass.
Various methods are used to produce lettering for signs, depending on the project – for example, computer-controlled routers for cutting out moulded glass fibre lettering. Screen-printing may also be used to produce posters, while traditional sign writing could involve designing by hand and painting with special brushes and enamel paint.
An apprentice could be employed as a signmaker, sign installer, quality technician or manufacturing technician.
Apprentices need to learn a range of skills including how to design signs; prepare different types of surfaces; cut out and build plastics into letters and logos; use digital technologies and install signs. The nature of the work will vary with the employer, but it could involve machining, joining, engraving, etching, hand decorating, spray-painting and screen-printing.
There will be an ongoing need to attract new employers to provide Signmaking Apprenticeships as at present some employers carry out their own non-regulated training.
After undergoing the Intermediate Level Apprenticeship or the Advanced Level Apprenticeship, skilled signmakers and technicians could find themselves working in a variety of roles within the signmaking industry.
Job Roles
Last Updated: 16/01/2012
