Louise joined VMG Group as a young mum looking for a new start. Nine years later, having spent the past decade learning everything from circuitry to signage, she has now officially earned her trade certificate in signwriting. Her story is a reflection of VMG’s commitment to growing capability from within, supporting its people, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
Q: Louise, you’ve just completed your signwriting apprenticeship — congratulations. Can you tell us how your journey at VMG started?
Thank you. I started at VMG about nine years ago. Judy knew me personally and gave me an opportunity to join as a jack of all trades. At the time I was a young mum, and it was my first full-time job. I started out supporting different parts of the business — say I started in hot stamping, then moved into screen printing and into electronics.
From the beginning, it was a steep learning curve, but that is what made it exciting. It started as a job, but it became a career. I kept learning and developing across different areas of industrial print.
Q: You’ve spent a lot of time in electronics — what makes that work unique?
I have been really lucky to spend time in VMG’s electronics print division, which is one of the most specialised parts of our business. It is not just about printing a label or a sticker — it is about understanding materials, inks, conductivity, durability, and getting it right at a micro level.
Some of the projects we do in electronics are incredibly sophisticated and also quality-driven. Our customers are in all industries such as automotive, defence and aerospace. It is hands-on, technical work, and every step matters. If you do not print it correctly, it might pass the first test, but it can fail later down the track. So there is a lot of knowledge involved — and we keep building on that every day.
It is also one of those areas where not many people come in with the right experience, so training and support are really important. That is what VMG does well — they make sure we all learn properly and understand the full process.
Q: What led you to expand into signwriting?
I have always loved the creative side of things like design, colour, detail. VMG has had a strong signage capability through the Mackay branch for years and Brisbane has been relying on them in this area.
We saw there was a need to grow that offering locally and support our manufacturing clients with not just print, but also safety signage, vehicle graphics, floor decals, factory signs and more. Our aim is to provide a complete print and signage solution tailored to industrial needs.
Our Brisbane branch is now actively expanding into this space, and having qualified staff is key to delivering that vision. That is why I decided to step into the signwriting space and take on the apprenticeship.
I studied externally through an RTO, most of my development was done mostly in Mackay, and completed the practical components while still working full time in Brisbane. It took three years, but it was worth it. I am now a qualified signwriter, and we are already growing that capability here in Brisbane.
Q: What kind of signage work are you doing now?
It is a great mix, decals, safety signs, vehicle wraps, large-scale floor graphics. One of the projects I really enjoyed was creating and installing full floor graphics for an expo, printed in Mackay and installed by our team here.
We are increasingly working with manufacturers who need complete site branding, everything from factory floor signage to vehicles and external building signage. It is exciting to be part of that growth.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work in industrial print?
I love the balance. There is so much variety. One day I might be screen printing, the next fitting a vehicle wrap, the next in electronics. That keeps it fresh and interesting.
But I also enjoy the structure and focus that comes from working on one job at a time. Seeing something through from start to finish, making sure it right gives me a lot of satisfaction.
Manufacturing is constantly evolving, and so are we as a business. VMG is always looking at what is next, whether it is sustainability, new technology, or improving how we work. And even with all that change, we still rely on the core skills. I love that we never stop learning.
Q: VMG is known for its strong internal culture. How has that shaped your journey?
The support here has made all the difference. When I was studying, juggling work and family, the business was flexible. But it is not just about flexibility, it is the way everyone pitches in. When one person is stretched, others step in. We are a great team.
People often ask me how I feel working in manufacturing, which is traditionally a male-dominated industry. And I don’t even know how to respond to this. In our team, no one is treated differently because of gender or background. What we care about is capability, skills, work ethic, and willingness to learn. It’s great because it makes you feel valued.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about a career in manufacturing?
Do it. There is so much variety and opportunity, especially if you are curious and enjoy learning new things. Manufacturing today is creative and technical, it’s not dirty as people sometimes think. I love that you are not stuck doing one task all day and every day. If you are hands-on, and you like solving problems, you will thrive.
Q: Lastly, you have been part of the Moreton Bay community for a long time. What makes this place special to you?
I have lived in the same house since I started at VMG. I love it here. Moreton Bay still has a bit of that country-town feel in some areas, even as it grows. There is space, a sense of calm, and a really strong local community. You are close to the city, but not stuck in the rush. It is a great place to live and work.