NSW government awards green grant to print industry

The funding is part of a $2.2m injection by the State government to train trades and professionals.

The print industry was one of 19 sectors to clinch the grant out of 100 applications.

The new training scheme follows the success of Printing Industries' SGP certification program designed to help printing companies meet their environmental responsibilities.

Free training will be given to printers under the Department of Climate Change and the Environment scheme to help companies maximise energy efficiency and cut power bills.

Printing Industries chief executive Philip Andersen (pictured centre) said the new scheme would be run in tandem with the existing SGP scheme.

Anderson said: "The module will focus on energy usage within a company and provide staff with the knowledge and skills to conduct energy audits, establish energy efficiency objectives and targets and implement programs and systems to meet those targets."

A total of 25 places are available on the scheme. Companies interested in receiving the training are invited to contact Printing Industries for more information.

National manager for learning and development Ian Walz (left) said the organisation was looking to extend the scheme into the future.

"Obviously we will be seeking further funding down the line," he said.

The program will be run in conjunction with Printing Industries' training partners Applied Training Solutions and SD Environmental Management.

Madman Printing recently successfully completed a detailed on-site audit to become the third Victorian company awarded Level 2 SGP certification.

A new SGP training outreach program will target NSW printers in the Hunter and North Coast areas.

The first SGP outreach training program will be run in Newcastle on 29-30 July 2010, covering both Levels 1 and 2 in a specially condensed program.

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