On Friday 7th August, I joined the Level 3 Signmaking Apprentices at Walsall College via Teams to introduce them to the British Sign and Graphics Association (BSGA) and to share the wider role of the BSGA in supporting the sign industry.
For those entering the industry, I believe it is important to have an understanding of the wider industry alongside developing their practical skills.
The session covered what a trade association is, the role the BSGA plays in supporting and promoting the industry, and our work involving governance, compliance, skills and best practice. We also discussed the different career paths and opportunities within our industry, with the apprentices’ asking questions and sharing their thoughts, which led to some interesting conversations about career progression and qualifications.
I also shared some of my own career experience, including the different roles I have undertaken and the importance I have always placed on continued learning and development.
Swan Barnaby, Vocational Coach – Signmaking at Walsall College, said:
“The learners were really engaged with the session and asked lots of questions, which led to some good discussions. They were also given the opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on the session, which they all did.”
What particularly stood out to me was Swan’s observation that, nearly four weeks later, the learners were still talking about the session. It was encouraging to hear that the discussion had stayed with them beyond the lesson itself.
The feedback from the apprentices also reflected the range of topics covered. One described it as “a good lesson learning about what BSGA is and what it means for signage workers”, while another highlighted the value of hearing about career progression and “how far she’s come in her career”. Others commented on learning about the different roles within the BSGA and “how much goes on behind the scenes”.
For the BSGA, engaging with apprentices is part of the wider work we are doing through our Five C’s – Champion, Collaboration, Communication, Community and Compliance. Our relationships with colleges, training providers and the wider stakeholder community provides us opportunities to share knowledge, have meaningful conversations about the industry and, importantly, listen to those who are entering it.
For apprentices, this provides a forum to understand the wider professional community and the importance of professional standards, compliance and best practice as they develop their careers.
I would like to thank Swan and the team at Walsall College for inviting me to speak with the apprentices, and the learners themselves for their enthusiasm, questions and engagement.
Would your business, college or training organisation like the BSGA to speak to your team or learners?
We would be delighted to explore how we can support your organisation, introduce your team or learners to the wider industry, and share more about the work of the Association.
Please get in touch with a BSGA team member to discuss how we can work together.