Signs of the times

Look around next time you’re out and about. From the giant billboards along the motorway to the café menu boards down the road, signmaking is everywhere. It’s not just about advertising; it’s storytelling, wayfinding, and giving places their identity.

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Behind every sign is a skilled tradesperson – someone who can design, fabricate, print, and install with care and precision. In an industry made up mostly of small teams and owner-operators, every person’s skill matters. That perfectly placed shopfront sign? It’s the result of years of experience and craft.

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Here’s the challenge: over the next five years, we’ll need around 720 new signmakers – most to replace experienced people who are retiring. Without training the next generation, we risk losing knowledge that’s taken decades to build.

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That’s where training comes in. A Level 4 Certificate in Signmaking covers the whole trade – from design right through to safe installation – giving new workers the confidence and ability to keep standards high. Skilled signmakers work faster, adapt more easily to new materials and technology, and deliver the quality customers expect.

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The biggest clusters of jobs are in Auckland, Canterbury, and Wellington – but the skills shortage is felt right across the country. Trained signmakers help other businesses thrive.

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“Competenz has been working closely with the Signmaking industry to make training more accessible and practical. We rolled out a new apprenticeship programme in late 2024, and it’s been a game-changer—learners now have access to online and downloadable workbooks, which makes tackling assessments a lot smoother. The feedback’s been awesome so far, from both employers and apprentices. To help even more people get started, we’re waiving fees for new enrolments until the end of October. It’s our way of backing the next wave of skilled Signmakers.” - Kevin Withell, Specialty Trades Manager

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If you’re in the industry, now’s the time to think about how we pass those skills on. Find out more about training opportunities and the current fee waiver.