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Signmaker

Kaihanga Tohu

Signmakers design, print and install signs in a range of materials, for indoor and outdoor use.

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Secondary education

A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include English, design and visual communication (graphics), design (practical art), digital technologies, maths, and painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking combined.

 For Year 11 to 13 learners, trades academies and the STAR and Gateway programmes are good ways to gain relevant experience and skills.

These programmes may help you gain an apprenticeship, but do not reduce the amount of time it takes to complete it. 

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for signmakers includes:

  • painting
  • printing
  • carpentry, fabrication, electrical or metal work
  • graphic or CAD design.

What you will do

Signmakers may do some or all of the following:

  • discuss design ideas with clients
  • create designs, lettering and layouts using a computer or by hand 
  • make neon or illuminated (LED) signs
  • put signs onto a variety of surfaces, including billboards, vehicles and buildings
  • seal finished surfaces with a chemical spray and clear vinyl
  • clean and maintain equipment
  • prepare quotes.

Skills and knowledge

Signmakers need to have knowledge of:

  • art, design and layout techniques
  • computer graphic design programmes
  • hand-lettering techniques for traditional signmaking
  • paints and solvents, and how they react on different surfaces
  • techniques for applying vinyl signs
  • how to put up scaffolding and signs.

Signmakers who run their own companies also need business and marketing skills.

Pay

Experienced signmakers usually earn

$49K-$70K

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a signmaker are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience.
Length of training
4
years of training required.

Industry

Creative Design

Signmakers design, print and install signs in a range of materials, for indoor and outdoor use.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

To become a signmaker you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a New Zealand Certificate in Signmaking (Level 4). 

Competenz oversees signmaker apprenticeships.

Chances of getting a job

Shortage of experienced signmakers

Chances of getting a job as a signmaker are best if you have experience and have completed an apprenticeship.

Qualified signmakers are in demand as there is a nationwide shortage of experienced signmakers.

According to a New Zealand Sign and Display Association survey, 98% of employers said they would hire someone as a signmaker once they completed an apprenticeship.

According to the Census, 1,524 signmakers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Signmakers work for:

  • sign companies
  • printing companies
  • automotive workshops
  • visual display companies
  • graphic design companies.

Some signmakers are self-employed and may work freelance or run a local franchise.

Find out more about training

Competenz
0800 526 1800 - www.competenz.org.nz

 

Progression and specialisations

Signmakers may progress to set up their own signmaking business.

Working conditions

Signmakers:

  • usually work regular office hours, with some early mornings, evenings or weekends 
  • work in workshops and studios, and may work indoors or outdoors erecting signs
  • work in all weather conditions, and work around chemicals such as paints and sprays.

Physical Requirements

Signmakers need to have good hand-eye co-ordination, normal colour vision and a reasonable level of fitness as some jobs require climbing and balancing to erect a sign.

Signmakers who erect signs on high billboards or buildings must be comfortable working at heights.

Useful personal qualities

Signmakers need to be:

  • creative, and good at layout and design
  • good at communicating with clients and interpreting their design briefs
  • able to work to deadlines 
  • good at working in a team environment
  • practical, with a hands-on approach to their work
  • accurate and detailed.

Industry

Creative Design

Signmakers design, print and install signs in a range of materials, for indoor and outdoor use.

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