Signwriter - Sign Industry Worker

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So, you want to be a Sign Writer?

Here’s what you need.

• Ability to work at heights
• Eye for detail
• Good eye for design
• Ability to work in teams and good communication skills

What do sign writers do?

Known as sign industry workers, signwriters design, manufacture and paint signs for displays, buildings, hoardings, boats and structures. Sign manufacture consists of the design, manufacture and installation of all facets of internal and external advertising. Signwriters may perform tasks including:

• select suitable materials for signs such as timber, plastic, metal or glass;
• prepare surfaces by filling holes, sanding and cleaning, and then mixing the paint, poster colour or varnish;
• sketch letters or draw with a template (pattern), paint the background if required and then the sign; and 
• design and create all murals, screen prints, gold leaf work and custom vehicle art.
• Use CAD programs to develop and produce designs on vinyl cutting machines or CNC machines.

Signwriters work both indoors and outdoors and spend some time on ladders or scaffolding. They may be required to work in a confined space and in uncomfortable positions and they may need to use toxic substances.

How do I become a sign writer?

Firstly, you will need to do some work experience so that you know what the job is about. If you think it’s for you, find an employer that is looking for an apprentice sign writer. You will then become an apprentice sign writer and will you will complete a certificate III in Off-Site Construction (Signwriting/Computer Operations) at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Once you have completed the four year apprenticeship, you will be a qualified tradie!

What Next?

Once you are a tradie in the construction industry, you can continue working for small or large companies and move into leading hand, supervising or management positions. You might even want to start your own business and employ apprentices yourself. Some tradies even go on to further education to complete courses from Certificate IV to bachelor level. There are plenty of options for qualified sign writer.