Certificate III in Signs and Graphics

This course will teach you the practical skills to design, manufacture and install a wide range of indoor and outdoor signage such as:

vinyl fabric screen-print digital LED.

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to work effectively in the sign industry, including:

vinyl cutting sign fabrication sign installation sign design graphic design how to operate advanced computer design software how to produce signs on uneven surfaces sign writing how to produce engraved signs advanced vinyl application, such as vehicle wrapping heritage signage.

This is an apprenticeship course (external link) .

You must be employed as signage apprentice.

To be awarded the CPC30216 Certificate III in Signs and Graphics, a student must successfully complete a total of sixteen (16) units of competency, comprising of:

• seven (7) core units, and;
• nine (9) elective units, of which:
• nine (9) units may be chosen from the elective units listed in the CPC30216 Certificate III in Signs and Graphics qualification, and;
• three (3) units may be chosen from other CPC Certificate III or Certificate IV qualifications, or another current training package or accredited course, provided they do not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification.

The elective units must ensure the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome as well as be approved by the Polytechnic.

Course structure and units

CORE UNITS

• CPCCSG3001 - Design and lay out digital signs for production
• CPCCSG3002 - Produce and apply vinyl signs
• CPCCSG3003 - Colour manage signs
• CPCCSG3004 - Print digital signs
• CPCCSG3011 - Install LED technology into signs
• CPCCSG3012 - Fabricate signs
• CPCCWHS3001 - Identify construction work hazards and select risk control strategies

ELECTIVE UNITS

• AURVTP009 - Apply vehicle body film wrapping
• CPCCCM3001 - Operate elevated work platforms up to 11 metres
• CPCCSG3005 - Engrave signs
• CPCCSG3006 - Apply gilding to signs
• CPCCSG3009 - Screen-print signs
• CPCCSG3013 - Paint letters and decorative effects for signs
• CPCCSG3017 - Erect and install signs
• ICPPRP2250 - Produce graphics using graphics applications
• MSFFM3022 - Set up, operate and maintain computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining and processing centres

Units in Transition

The following unit/s will not be offered to prospective students. These units are only available for current/continuing students.

• CPCCCM2006 - Apply basic levelling procedures
• CPCCCM3003 - Work safely around electrical sources, services and assets

Recognition of Prior Learning and/or Credit Transfers

Previous completion of units at the Polytechnic or any other Registered Training Organisation and/or previous attainment of skills and knowledge may be credited towards this course. Units must satisfy the completion rules of the qualification and be assessed as appropriate by the Polytechnic.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

As part of the Victoria University Polytechnic Pre-Training Review admission process, applicants are required to complete a literacy and number assessment to identify learning support needs.

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of sign manufacturers who design and produce signs and graphics for a range of purposes. Signs and graphics can be produced using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques, often involving the use of advanced printing software and technology, and a range of methods for illumination and fabrication.