Signmaking

Nationally recognised training for the technicians who install and maintain the milking, water, and effluent systems New Zealand's dairy industry depends on.

Available qualifications

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Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications — tailored to your business's specific needs.

5,672
Apprentices trained
Level 4
National qualification

The signmaking programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to design, fabricate, install, and finish signs using a variety of materials such as vinyl, plastic, metal, glass, wood, and LED systems.Training covers computer-controlled routing and 3D fabrication, digital imaging and graphics, traditional hand-signwriting, installation of signage, finishing and painting, and the use of tools and machinery in line with industry standards. The Level 4 programme is an apprenticeship.

Benefits of these programmes

  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
  • Coverage of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility
  • Specialisations available across digital imaging, graphic design, 3D fabrication, traditional signwriting, and installation
  • Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

How we work with you

We partner with members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential learners, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences, and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

When apprentices enrol, we assign them a Competenz account manager. Our account managers understand the industry and the skills learners and businesses need to gain.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice

Use this form to register with Competenz. We’ll get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.

Get started →
Onboarding guides

Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays — your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how to help your apprentice succeed.

Onboarding guides →
See your business impact

View the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. The lasting value of investing in your workforce.

ROI Calculator →

The dairy industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled technicians. Training your own people is the most reliable way to build capability that actually stays.

Competenz Training Advisor — Dairy Systems, Waikato region

You run the operation. We handle the training architecture.

A typical day

Typically, an eight-hour day. Possibly shift work.

The nature of the work will vary with the employer, but it could involve machining, colour vinyl wrapping vehicles, printing, hand decorating spray-painting and screen-printing.

Sounds like you?

If you’re practical, curious about how things work, and comfortable in both workshops and outdoors — this is worth reading.

Study areas that help

  • English or Media Studies or History
  • Sciences or Workshop Technology
  • Creative Arts (Visual/Textiles/ Graphics)
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.

Helpful experience

  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery
  • Working with computers.

Work environments

  • Indoors (workshop or plant)
  • Outside (outdoors)
  • Different places from time to time
  • Lots of different places everyday.

Good to have

Problem-solving mindset

  • Confident communicator
  • Strong eye for detail
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology.

Career pathway

The apprenticeship is the foundation — not the ceiling.

School

Getting ready

These can be useful from School:

  • NCEA English, Maths, Visual Arts, Technology, Computing or Graphics.

Entry level

Apprenticeship

  • Signmaking.

Advancing

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.

Senior

Higher learning

  • Specialist in Signmaking
  • Senior in Signmaking
  • Team Leader
  • Manager.

Common questions

How do I set up my account for Competenz Central?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I’m an international student - can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need a visa or work permit?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How old do I need to be?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How long is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How much does an apprenticeship/traineeship cost?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I have a job, what do I do next?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need to be employed to be an apprentice/trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What experience do I need to do an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be a trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be an apprentice?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Who is Competenz?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Signmaking

The signmaking programme provides a nationally recognised qualification that combines practical workplace training with technical knowledge. It equips people with the skills to design, fabricate, install, and finish signs using a variety of materials such as vinyl, plastic, metal, glass, wood, and LED systems.Training covers computer-controlled routing and 3D fabrication, digital imaging and graphics, traditional hand-signwriting, installation of signage, finishing and painting, and the use of tools and machinery in line with industry standards. The Level 4 programme is an apprenticeship.

Benefits of these programmes

  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
  • Coverage of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility
  • Specialisations available across digital imaging, graphic design, 3D fabrication, traditional signwriting, and installation
  • Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.

Apprentices need support in achieving their qualifications, and Competenz training advisors provide this support.

Your training advisor will guide apprentices through their training, monitoring their progress and completing on-the-job assessments throughout the training.

Your training advisor will:

  • Visit your business and your apprentices four times throughout the year
  • Structure training into manageable chunks of learning
  • Set deadlines with apprentices to complete assessments (in full consultation with employers)
  • Provide assessment guides for apprentices
  • Assist apprentices to successfully complete their training programme.

As an employer, you need to become familiar with your apprentice’s training programme and targets, and provide them with plenty of opportunities to develop and practise the required skills.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice
Use this form to register with Competenz. We'll use this form to get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.
Onboarding guides
Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays. These guides explain your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how you can help your apprentice succeed.
See your business impact
Use this calculator to view the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. It’s designed to show the lasting value of investing in your workforce.

Ready to get started?

A typical day

Typically, an eight-hour day. Possibly shift work.

The nature of the work will vary with the employer, but it could involve machining, colour vinyl wrapping vehicles, printing, hand decorating spray-painting and screen-printing.

Sounds like you?

Study areas
  • English or Media Studies or History
  • Sciences or Workshop Technology
  • Creative Arts (Visual/Textiles/ Graphics)
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.
Attributes
  • Confident communicator
  • Strong eye for detail
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology.
Helpful experience
  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery
  • Working with computers.
Preferred work environments
  • Indoors (workshop or plant)
  • Outside (outdoors)
  • Different places from time to time
  • Lots of different places everyday.

Pathway

School

These can be useful from School:

  • NCEA English, Maths, Visual Arts, Technology, Computing or Graphics.
Entry level jobs

Apprenticeship

  • Signmaking.
Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Business Owner.
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Specialist in Signmaking
  • Senior in Signmaking
  • Team Leader
  • Manager.

FAQs

Related FAQs

Ready to get Started?