I'm debating on taking my knowledge to another level in order to fullfill my need to be in this industry, however gearing towards another area.
I use to teach part time at a local college as their 'sign' part of a graphics course. The students already had a taste of CorelDraw, however my job was to teach them about vector drawing, vinyl cutting and applying, and product knowledge. We dabbled abit in design as well, but only enough to make an attractive outcome for their projects.
I'm leaning towards entering the teaching zone again. And I'd like your input from a sign shop's perspective, the pros and cons you'd see developing with such a venture.
I'm dreaming of running my own small session, not under another school/college. I'd like to set up a few computers in my shop for the students. I'd have perhaps 2 different classes, such as an introductory to CorelDraw, then once they've taken that or are already knowledgable, #2 would be the signage class.
I'd like to teach them the basics on vinyls and substrates, premasking, applications, coating boards, installations, etc, geared in the vinyl area.
I'd keep my shop up and running during this time, creating an atmosphere that isn't strictly classroom, however real life. I'd talk to exsisting customers and projects coming up and request permission to include my students in everyday projects so they can learn.
I'd also encourage these students to work at another signshop to gain experience in other areas not touched on in my class. (rather than them go out on their own, but obviously it would be their choice in the end)
What I'd like to do is before all this starts, approach other sign companies with a proposal on my idea to get their feedback. I could leave them info and contact information, and let them know all of the above, and if my service would be of benefit to them if they were actively looking for a future employee with some training behind them.
I'd also like to involve the govt. and become part of a placement program for those on unemployment insurance, however I would be interviewing each student and deciding myself if they'd be a good candidate for the course. I wouldn't take just anyone in.
And when I use to teach, I really loved the interaction with students and watching their faces as they soaked in the new exciting knowledge. At the end of the course, I gave them questionaires on my course, and asked they rate very honestly. They all loved the fact that the course was in a small full working signshop and that they did real projects, dealt with the phone, etc.
I'd also like to mention, not one of my students became their own boss. I did not gear the short class in that direction. I emphasised the basics of getting a drawing done properly, cut and applied to a substrate, so it was very introductory. I personally hired 2 of my students over time, and some others did enter the sign industry at other shops, but to this date have not been their own boss.
What are your personal thoughts on something like this being available? Would those of you requiring employees consider hiring someone with training such as this under their belt? Or those of you with no employees, would this tweek your interest in finally getting that part time help you've dreamed of?
Thanks in advance.
Any pros and cons you'd like to share with me on my idea?
posted
What you describe is sort of like an internship. Though I doubt many shops do this, I did work at a shop that always had one, and where I work at we have 2 interns right now. The problem with getting interns, is that they are probably looking for more of a high end situation. I worked at a sign shop that gave weekend classes on signs, and to me that wasn't enough time to develope the practical and design skills needed to do it on thier own. And he charged a lot for it. Plus he was basically self taught and mostly automotive graphics, and with that, his point of view was a little narrow, as regard to the sign industry. I get asked all the time to help guys start thier business or lead them to someone who could train them. It would be nice to have someone to send them too. I think any practical experience is good, and anyone willing to teach it, would benifit in time by possibly training a good employee, I think training your competition should be considered but, if it's something you find rewarding, I say go for it. I know it would have been nice for me when I was learning the computer part, that someone would have shown be the practical side of this business, instead of just being a 34 year old floor sweeping grunt. Rick
-------------------- Rick Chavez Hemet, CA Posts: 1540 | From: Hemet,CA U.S.A. | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
I'd also like to add, if there was a signpainter teaching what he/she does best, I'd be first in line to gather more knowledge. I wish I knew more on that aspect.
posted
Donna, I think that's a great idea. When you think about the next generation of sign makers, who do you envision they are? I remember the thing that drew me into the business was the love of the combination of art and skill with a brush. What will draw young people today into this business?
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1287 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I wish you were in Georgia. I have just purchased a new 24" vinyl cutter and can't master the software. (In other words, I can't get it to cut.) I would be the first in line to take your class. This is my first venture in the sign/banner business. Any advice would be appreciated.
-------------------- Robert Richards Southern Ad Specialties Carrollton, GA 770-830-1501 sasga2000@a0l.com Posts: 138 | From: Carrollton, GA | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
I just can't get all bubbly about the teaching profession....NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT!I like the "HANDS-ON" of actually DOING rather than TEACHING, plus the freedom of sitting on my can whenever and wherever I want. In don't mind SHOWING someone how to do whatever, but to actually set up any kind of TEACHING thingy......I DON'T THINK SO!
[ September 03, 2002, 10:23 PM: Message edited by: Bob Burns ]
posted
I did pretty much the same thing you're trying to do except my school was specifically geared to people who wanted to be their own boss.
I offered an accellerated program that ran five days straight, eight ours a day. It was extremely intensive on the student and just as hard on me.
I sold them the CAS software and plotter as part of the program. Trained them on what I used so I could help them after the course with any questions or problems they might encounter.
The first day of the class was devoted solely to psychology as it pertained to sales, design, pricing, human interaction, and every other area of the business that it would apply to.
They learned the software, plotter functions, design, layout, and color theory. They made signs hands on during the course of the week. I taught them in my shop with the doors open. They witnessed first hand how to handle the sales with a total stranger from the start.
My students came to me from different areas of the country with different career backgrounds. They each had one thing in common. A desire to captain their own ship.
I learned as much about myself and this business as they did about it and themselves. I found it extremely rewarding to teach but the program I designed was exhausting for me and the student.
By the end of the week my students could easily out design any of my competitors in town and I ended my course by treating my students to "The graduation farewell steak dinner"
Most of my students went on to run their own businesses and I am proud of them all. Amazing what correct knowledge in the right hands applied can accomplish.
This brief description of my experience by no means comes close to describing the depth and intensity of my course program but I know first hand what you will be involved with.
I say go for it and see where it leads you. You will know if this is right for you or not.
Good Luck
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
my only "concerns" are in the marketing of it -- how are you going to go about finding students?
here in California, people are more likely to part with money for classes if its through an accredited school because its easier to get financial aid (loans). are you thinking of marketing your classes to the "general public" or specifially to sign shops? it could be a great deal if you could work something out with the franchise shops to train all of their new employees at a special price or something.
oh, and the last thought is just "check with your insurance agent". you'll have a lot of inexperienced people using dangerous tools (like X-Acto knives).
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Wonderful idea! There is definitly nothing negative I can say about spreading quality knowledge around. I say go for it if you can secure enough students to make a return on your investment of time and equipment.
-------------------- Jeff Bailey Rapid Tac Inc. Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 231 | From: Grants Pass, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
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posted
A great idea! What this country needs is more schools for sign people. There are far too few. The British and Australians have excellent programs. Why don't we have them? Teaching is very rewarding, I did it for a while and really enjoyed it. If I wasn't so old, I would love to hold classes on hand lettering and gold leafing. You are young and should do well. Go for it, and good luck.
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I think you'll find that there is a real need for your services. The trick is in marketing the service effectively.
I recently took on responsibility for "NDU" -- as in "ND GRAPHICS UNIVERSITY" -- which is a national training/educational initiative that was launched a couple of years ago but has since "stalled" due to a fuzzy vision, narrow scope and a lack of resources.
I have just begun the project of re-tooling our plans for the "NDU" program and will be looking for instructors with whom we can forge an alliance.
If you (or any other Canadian sign professionals) would be interested in exploring the idea of working in delivering any kind of courses in association with the "NDU" program by ND GRAPHICS, I hope you will drop me a line.
[ September 08, 2002, 08:52 AM: Message edited by: Jon Aston ]
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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