This qualification provides the signmaking industry with individuals who can work safely and independently and have attained the knowledge and skills required to effectively work as tradespeople in the signmaking industry.

The optional strands in traditional signwriting, three-dimensional sign fabrication, digital signage, and sign installation recognise specialised signmaking knowledge and skills required within the industry.

The qualification is designed for people who are beginning a career in the industry. It could also suit individuals with a prior qualification in graphic design who wish to train as a signmaker.

Graduates will be able to work at an advanced level without supervision.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Apply knowledge of workplace health and safety to signmaking.
- Design signs using knowledge of layout, typography and colour.
- Create and manipulate graphic files for sign production using software.
- Manufacture signs and graphics using a range of signmaking materials.
- Fabricate a range of materials and apply vector cut graphics to produce signs using signmaking tools, machinery and equipment.
- Apply films to a variety of flat, textured, simple and compound curved surfaces.
- Produce signs using a range of surface preparation, layout and painting techniques.
- Produce and laminate printed output for sign production using digital print technology.
- Produce illuminated signs using electrical lighting systems.
- Install a variety of interior and exterior sign types safely using knowledge of fixings and fastenings, building substrates, waterproofing envelopes and working at heights.

Graduates of the Traditional Signwriting strand will also be able to:
- Apply knowledge of traditional signwriting techniques to signmaking.

Graduates of the Three-Dimensional Sign Fabrication strand will also be able to:
- Fabricate three-dimensional signs.

Graduates of the Digital Signage strand will also be able to:
- Produce digital signage promotion using digital signage hardware, networking systems, and content production and management software.

Graduates of the Sign Installation strand will also be able to:
- Undertake planning, site assessment and compliance requirements for sign installation, and install a range of complex signs.

This qualification leads to technical graphics related, or project supervision related qualifications depending on the preferred area of specialisation.

Graduates with this qualification may progress to:
- New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5) [Ref: 2638]
- New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Human Resource Management, Leadership and Management, Marketing and Sales, and Project Management [Ref: 2459]

None.