Colemans Printing CEO Magdaline Coleman joined industry stakeholders from across Australia for the ACFIPS Printing and Graphic Arts Forum, held online via Zoom from 9:30am to 11:00am. The session brought together print businesses, training providers and government representatives to discuss current sector insights, emerging digital skill needs, and practical tools to support workforce development and capability building.
A National Conversation, A Territory Perspective
The forum was hosted by ACFIPS — Arts, Communications, Finance Industries and Property Services — and led by Senior Project Manager Pamela Novo. Ms Coleman’s involvement ran from 9am to 11.30am, taking in the forum agenda alongside related Jobs and Skills Council discussions held either side of the session, and bringing a Northern Territory voice to a national conversation about the industry’s workforce future.
Why Apprentices Matter to Colemans
Colemans currently has four apprentices working across its Darwin operation — a commitment to the professional development of young Territorians that provides recognition and regular, structured training. It also connects students, suppliers and employees of Colemans directly with the wider Australian printing industry.
It’s a connection that matters. The Australian printing industry faces real challenges, and in the Northern Territory that’s compounded by limited awareness of the modern techniques and technology used in printing factories around the world. Forums like this one give Colemans a platform to represent the Territory’s printing workforce and help close that gap.
Inside the Agenda
The forum covered a full agenda, including:
- Welcome and introduction
- Industry insights
- A live demonstration and workshop on the digital technology and digital skills software tool
- Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) and TAFE updates
- Feedback and evaluation
The digital skills software tool demonstrated during the session maps skills and technology needs across the sector — a practical resource for businesses like Colemans looking to plan training and capability development.
Backing the Jobs and Skills Councils
Ms Coleman also took part in discussions with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance — the Jobs and Skills Council covering manufacturing, including print — and BuildSkills Australia, the JSC for the building, construction and property sector. Both organisations are focused on supporting the retention of staff in the creative industries, a priority Colemans shares as it continues to invest in its own apprentices and training pathways.
In Her Words
“Addressing vocational outcomes and the scoping of future projects in the creative industries is so important. There was a lot of collaboration between industry representatives, and so much information shared. Thank you for inviting me to be part of it,” said Ms Coleman.
Investing in the Next Generation
Colemans’ involvement in national forums like this one reflects its broader commitment to training, workforce development and industry advocacy for the Territory’s printing sector. With four apprentices currently coming through the Darwin operation, Colemans continues to invest in the people and skills that will shape the future of printing in the Northern Territory.
Supporting Australian Businesses with Modern Printing Solutions
For more than 70 years, Coleman Printing has combined local expertise, skilled people and modern technology to support businesses and organisations across the Northern Territory. From commercial and digital printing to graphic design, signage and large-format printing, custom labels and stickers, barcode labels, vehicle and boat wraps and booklets and publications, our team delivers complete creative and print solutions under one roof. With continued investment in technology, automation, training and the next generation of print professionals, Coleman Printing remains focused on building local capability while delivering the quality, creativity and turnaround Territory businesses need.
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