Print version Recommend this page Press release
25/ 2012
Bonn, 14.06.2012
Getting noticed is vital: Sign and Luminous Advertisement Makers command attention
It flashes and lights up - and demands to be noticed: the business of signage and luminous advertising makers is to design and produce advertising, trade fair and exhibition stands and signage systems for exterior and interior duty. They make use of manual and computer-aided techniques, diverse materials, and a wide range of technologies that have changed dramatically in recent years. On behalf of the German federal government, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) therefore sat down with experts nominated by the social partners to reform the training regulation for the occupation of Sign and Luminous Advertisement Maker. The new profile is technologically versatile, creative and customer-oriented, and offers a choice of two training specialisations. The modernised training regulation enters into force on 1 August.
The work of a Sign and Luminous Advertisement Maker makes such varied demands that initial vocational training needs to cover tasks from a variety of trades, including graphics, painting, electrics, glazing, metalworking, metal, wood and glass processing, gold plating, screen printing, photography and plastics technology. The emergence of new techniques in recent years, including digital printing, 3D software, or "car wrapping" - the design of a film to cover a vehicle's entire bodywork - have led many firms to specialise. The new training regulation reflects this development by making provision for a choice between two specialisations in future, "Technology, installation and advertising electrics/electronics" and "Graphics, printing and application".
The general training plan for the three-year apprenticeship was rewritten with the two specialisations in mind, and makes higher demands in particular skill areas - such as business and technical communication. Another newly introduced feature is the extended final examination: the first part of the qualifying examination is taken before the end of the second year of training, and the results make up 20% of the final grade.
Sign and Luminous Advertisement Makers undertake apprenticeships in craft enterprises, advertising agencies and trade-fair construction firms. In 2011, 409 newly contracted apprentices nationwide commenced training in this occupation, 132 of whom were women. The collectively agreed training allowance rises over the course of three years from EUR 460 to EUR 520 to EUR 610.
This initial vocational training programme gives access to career advancement routes with attractive prospects such as advanced vocational training for the "Master craftsperson qualification in sign and luminous advertisement making". Below the master craftsperson level, a two-year advanced vocational training programme for the "State certified designer" qualification is another option. Separately from these programmes, it is also possible to work towards the nationally regulated "Betriebswirt im Handwerk" (Certified business management specialist in the skilled crafts) qualification.
More information is available (in German) on the BIBB website at www.bibb.de/neue-berufe-2012
Images are available at www.bibb.de/pressefotos .
Contact person at BIBB:
Margarete Pfeifer, e-mail: pfeifer@bibb.de
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