Signmaking students at Sheffield College have received the unique opportunity to learn about the trade first-hand from one of the industry’s leading figures.
Catherine Monson, global CEO of signage and visual communications specialist, FASTSIGNS, flew into the region from the United States to meet the students and share some of the advice she’s learnt from her 25 years in signage and digital printing.
Offering guidance on her five tips for success and discussing some of the new technologies and techniques signmakers in the sector are currently harnessing, Catherine shared her experiences and words of encouragement in a one-off interactive discussion at the College’s city campus.
Speaking after the event, Catherine said:
“Sheffield College is a fantastic college and as one of only a handful of UK colleges that now offer a sign-making course, it was fantastic to see the part they are playing in developing the next generation of signmakers.
“Signmaking will forever play a prominent part in the world of business. As long as there is branding, there is a need for signage, it’s encouraging to see courses such as this one teaching students the skills they need to prepare for an exciting career in the future. I’ve enjoyed meeting the students and visiting the campus, as well as exploring Sheffield.”
David Gregory, sign-making assessor at Sheffield College, was thrilled to be able to offer the opportunity to his students:
“While studying, the world of work can seem quite alien, so it’s always useful to introduce our students to those working in the industry. For signage, FASTSIGNS is a leading name, and the insight Catherine has offered is invaluable.”
During her stay in Sheffield, Catherine also visited the Sheffield FASTSIGNS centre, based on Old Station Drive, to meet the team there.
Commenting on her visit, she added:
“With such strong industrial roots as well as a healthy start-up scene, there’s a thriving world of opportunity here in Sheffield and I’m pleased to have a FASTSIGNS presence in the city. FASTSIGNS Sheffield is one of our longest established UK centres and has been in operation for almost 25 years. It’s great to see how the centre has grown over the years and the team’s commitment to serving their customers and the city.”
As well as overseeing FASTSIGNS’ entire global network of over 700 franchises in nine countries, Catherine is also a board member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and is on the National Educational Foundation Board of Trustees in the US.