The Inkers – Make your Mark emerging talent program was unveiled on the Konica Minolta stand during PacPrint 2025. Launched by the Visual Media Association (VMA), The Inkers is the paper, print, publishing, packaging and mail industry’s first structured, nationally coordinated support initiative designed for early-career professionals.
The program is targeted at apprentices, trainees, cadets and young professionals who have worked in the sector for five years or less, to provide a support and networking community to improve trainee and apprentice completion rates and support the next generation of talent through the industry sectors.
It is the culmination of consultation, industry engagement, and brand development over the past months. Since first announcing its intent to build a program for emerging talent, the VMA has held an industry led workshop, stakeholder interviews, and reviewed possible alignment with government strategies, particularly the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the industry’s jobs and skills council.
“We are proud to launch The Inkers – Make Your Mark, a program designed by and for the emerging voices in our industry,” commented Kellie Northwood, Chief Executive Officer of the Visual Media Association. “This program is a commitment to the development of a skilled, connected and visible workforce – one that’s future-ready, supported, and confident to build their professional pathways.”
The Inkers program is underpinned by four key pillars: Support to Skills Development, Mentorship & Intergenerational Leadership, Networking & Local Representation, and Recognition & Visibility. These focus areas were directly informed by industry input and statistical data, including the concerning 57% national apprentice non-completion rate reported by the ABS.
Melissa Dempsey, Chief Marketing Officer at Konica Minolta, echoed the importance of supporting future leaders in the industry. “Konica Minolta is honoured to be the Platinum Sponsor of The Inkers. We see this as a transformative initiative that builds a meaningful pipeline of talent,” Dempsey said. “Investing in people – particularly the next generation – is how we drive innovation, foster inclusion, and ensure the long-term success of our sector.”
The Inkers program is aligned with government workforce retention strategies and also responding to urgent attraction and labour shortages that continue to impact the print and visual media sectors. It is being supported through partnerships with leading companies such as Konica Minolta and Ball & Doggett and has already gained interest across TAFE, RTO and apprenticeship networks.
Events and activities will be hosted in Konica Minolta showrooms across the country, providing emerging professionals with high-quality industry engagement experiences. The VMA will also publish an annual State of Emerging Talent report, designed to track retention trends, program impact, and apprentice outcomes.
Markers will form the committee team to:
- Represent their state or territory as official ambassadors,
- Receive mentorship from the VMA Board and industry leaders,
- Participate in national strategy sessions and industry events hosted by partners such as Konica Minolta, among others.
Eligibility Criteria
All applicants for The Inkers – make your mark program must:
Be currently employed within the visual media sector (including print, paper, packaging, publishing, design, media, or distribution),
- Be 35 and under or have five years or less total industry experience,
- Reside in Australia and be able to attend both virtual and in-person events, and
- Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, and industry contribution.
Application Process
Applications are open now and close at 2:00pm on 13 June 2025. Successful applicants will be announced on 20 June 2025.
“Through The Inkers, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant, sustainable and skilled future for our industry. It’s time for our next generation to make their mark – and we’re proud to stand with them,” concluded Northwood.
To apply, complete the Markers Application Form and email it along with your supporting documents (headshot, short bio, and optional reference) to hello@visualmediaassociation.org.au. For more information, call or email the Visual Media Association.