Overview
Become a fully qualified sign-writer and master the art of signwriting by learning this creative trade with a Certificate III in Signs and Graphics CPC30216 at Victoria University Polytechnic.
This course will teach you the practical skills to design, manufacture and install a wide range of indoor and outdoor signage such as:
- vinyl
- fabric
- screen-print
- digital
- LED.
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to work effectively in the sign industry, including:
- vinyl cutting
- sign fabrication
- sign installation
- sign design
- graphic design
- how to operate advanced computer design software
- how to produce signs on uneven surfaces
- sign writing
- how to produce engraved signs
- advanced vinyl application, such as vehicle wrapping
- heritage signage.
This is an apprenticeship course. You must be employed as signage apprentice.
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Careers
A Certificate III in Signs and Graphics CPC30216 from Victoria University Polytechnic will qualify you to work in the sign-writing industry. You’ll have practical trade skills as well as arts/graphic design skills. You could also work in visual merchandising, vehicle graphics and other graphic display jobs.
Potential job titles include:
- signwriter
- sign manufacturer/fabricator
- graphic pre-press trades worker
- graphics display manufacturer
- visual display manufacturer.
Work may be outdoors, or you may work producing signage in a factory or other indoor environment.
Nationally recognised training
This course is nationally recognised training.
Course structure
To be awarded the CPC30216 Certificate III in Signs and Graphics, 16 units must be completed consisting of:
- 7 core units
- 9 elective units, of which:
- 9 units may be chosen from the elective units listed in the CPC30216 Certificate III in Signs and Graphics qualification, and
- 3 units may be chosen from other CPC Certificate III or Certificate IV qualifications, or another current training package or accredited course, provided they do not duplicate the outcome of another unit chosen for the qualification.
Course structure and units
VU Polytechnic delivers the electives listed in the ‘course structure and units’ below. These electives have been selected based on industry needs, graduate pathways and/or student and teacher feedback. Alternative suitable electives are only available via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT).
Core units
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3001
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3002
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3003
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3004
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3011
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3012
-
- Unit code
- CPCCWHS3001
Elective units
-
- Unit code
- AURVTP109
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCM3001
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3005
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3006
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3009
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3013
-
- Unit code
- CPCCSG3017
-
- Unit code
- MSFFM3022
Imported Elective Unit
-
- Unit code
- ICPPRP2250
Units in Transition
The following unit/s will not be offered to prospective students. These units are only available for current/continuing students.
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCM2006
-
- Unit code
- CPCCCM3003
-
- Unit code
- AURVTP009
Learning outcomes
This qualification reflects the role of sign manufacturers who design and produce signs and graphics for a range of purposes. Signs and graphics can be produced using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques, often involving the use of advanced printing software and technology, and a range of methods for illumination and fabrication.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: VET
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a government subsidised place or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- government subsidised place pay subsidised tuition fees (the government contributes the rest), and may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee along with any material fees
- full fee-paying place pay the full fee tuition rate (which includes Student Services and Amenities Fee and any material fees).
Calculate your VET course fees.
Find out more about:
- the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
- ways to pay your fees
- important fee dates
- how to apply for a VE/TAFE refund
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeship applicants must complete to determine suitability:
- Pre-training Review (PTR)
- Literacy and numeracy assessment
- must be employed as an apprentice
- must have an active Epsilon number prior to commencing the course.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.
Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.
How to apply
Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.
Available start dates:
- 2 January 2025
Before you apply
Before starting your application, please read through the step-by-step VU Polytechnic application process to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information ready to successfully complete your application.
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Credit transfer/Recognition of prior learning (RPL): If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 31 October 2025 for our next intake which starts on 2 January 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now – TAFE
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Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
Please note that if changes to this course occur, VU will notify students as soon as possible.
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
