talent from the ground up. As she puts it: “That means investing time in structured training, mentorship, and clear progression pathways.” She also believes that highlighting the creativity, technology, and real-world impact of signage is critical, whether by partnering with schools and colleges or promoting the industry more on social media. Armstrong’s passion for promoting the industry to newcomers is clear, as seen in her comments to us: “Our industry is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most dynamic and visible sectors out there. Every shopfront, vehicle graphic, and large-scale installation tells a story and requires a team of skilled people to bring it to life. If we can collectively improve awareness and invest in the next generation, the opportunities for growth are enormous.” Make it Happen’s offerings include interactive, one-day ‘Training Bootcamps’, with core topics ranging from technical overviews of fabricated and illuminated signs to advice on professional upselling strategies. The organisation also regularly runs ‘The First Drill’, a specialised induction for newcomers to the sign and print world. Rounding up her feelings about supporting UK signage, Armstrong adds; “It’s an industry that rewards creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills in equal measure. We are proud to play TRAINING AND ENTRY POINTS | JONATHAN PERT 35 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 265 - June | July 2026 CVI Group offers vehicle wrapping training modules from beginner to advanced level Joe Marin, senior vice president of Member Services at PRINTING United Alliance a part in this, supporting our industry people. The biggest asset any company can have is not the equipment – it’s the boots on the ground.” Promoting Every Sector One of the organisations which has worked alongside Make it Happen is CVI Group, a dedicated training and installation company with over 20 years of experience in the vinyl wrapping industry. In recent years, the organisation has placed a stronger emphasis on training, with the goal of improving overall industry standards and supporting individuals seeking to enter the sector. Chris Edwards, director and trainer at CVI Group, sees the vehicle wrapping sector as being particularly appealing to younger individuals, largely due to what he describes as “the visual and creative nature of the work.” As he describes: “The transformation of high-end vehicles and the visible results of skilled craftsmanship can create a strong initial attraction. “Although this represents only a small portion of the industry as a whole, it serves as an effective gateway to broader career opportunities across commercial graphics, fleet branding, architectural films, and specialist installations.” As part of his effort to inspire new signage professionals, Edwards operates a dedicated training facility which continually explores new ways to improve access to the industry for aspiring professionals. “In my experience, mindset is more important than skillset,” he explains. “Technical skills can be taught to individuals who are motivated to learn, whereas those without the willingness to develop will struggle regardless of prior experience.” CVI Group offers a variety of courses from beginner vinyl application to comprehensive looks at the intricacies of the wrap process, with the aim of turning potential professionals with a strong mindset into the next generation of experts. Edwards believes that bringing new individuals into the industry without previous experience can often be advantageous. He says: “With the right training, guidance, and support, these individuals can develop strong foundations and become valuable longterm assets to their organisations.
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