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The Australian Photo Industry has a long history of innovation, strong competition and sharing.
One such innovation to gain international recognition was the PMA Young Achiever Program.
When we look back over previous national and state winners we are proud to see a great group of young people who, through involvement in the program, have improved self esteem, a better understanding of the industry they are in and are working towards their goals for success in our great industry.
Without constant change and growth however all programs, no matter how successful, will stagnate.
With this in mind Photo Marketing Association Australia charged a group of people to put the program through a thorough investigation to give us the information necessary to not only ensure we continued to encourage the youth in our industry, but find a way to get more of them involved and have a positive impact on a larger group of young people.
After much analysis we are pleased to announce not only a name change to the program but a complete overhaul of its objectives, its target participants and the rewards of recognition of being involved.
So, PMA Australia is delighted to announce the new FUTURE LEADERS PROGRAM!
The biggest change is its transition from a competition based program to a Industry Workshop Program whereby all participants are recognised and presented as "Future Leaders" of the Industry.
This change will see a series of FREE one day Leadership Workshops held in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne where all entrants are trained in self development, presentation and management skills.
The Young Achiever programs' long time training partner, The Friedman Group, will undertake these special workshops. The Friedman Group's training was recognised by nearly every previous winner as being of great value to their personal development so we know these one day Workshops will be of tremendous long term value to each participant.
The change from a competition based program we feel is significant as for several years we have had many fantastic applicants. Deciding on a single winner to receive training just seemed to be short changing the long term future of the industry. The new Future Leaders program will ensure ALL entrants will receive fantastic training that will benefit many organisations as well as the industry as a whole.
As an added bonus ALL Future Leader participants will be given a complimentary Best Value Pass to the Entertainment & Imaging Expo and Conference in June where they can add to their training and knowledge by attending the many varied conference sessions. All Future Leader Workshop participants will also be presented with Certificates at the Industry Gathering at the Imaging and Entertainment Expo, and there will be an 'Exceptional Future Leader' chosen from each Workshop and awarded a certificate of recognition.
Another significant change is that the program now covers ALL areas of the industry, not just retail. It truly is a photographic industry program - we have even expanded age range for participants to give participants from previous years Young Achiever Programs the chance to attend the Workshops and continue to develop their skills.
Criteria to enter program:
· Open to all industry employees aged 18-30 years old.
· Open to all sectors of the Photographic Industry:
- Camera, print processing or framing retail businesses
- Photo labs, School & Professional Photographers
- Wholesale Supply companies
- Equipment manufacturers & Repair Agencies
· Open to Full time, part time and Casual employees.
· Applicants must have been employed in the photographic Industry for a minimum of 12 months.
· Employers must be PMA Members
As you can see there has been considerable research and thought put into the new Future Leaders Program to ensure more participants gain long term benefits for themselves and the companies they represent. No longer do they feel they need to have 'achieved' anything to be involved.
The new Future Leaders Program is aimed at giving staff who are enthusiastic about being involved in our industry a chance to develop their skills, their industry knowledge and training as well as to develop a network of future leaders. We encourage ALL PMA members to consider including one or more of your staff who you would like to see take the next step in your business.
We know that the Friedman training program will be of great benefit to both your employee(s) and your company, and hope that this new format will encourage companies who have not been involved in the program previously to get involved and show their staff how valued they are.
The programs name says it all, Future Leaders, let's make sure this first step towards a strong future for our industry is a well attended, energetic and positive step for the next generation of store owners, photographers, manufacturers and wholesalers.
The future really is in YOUR hands!
To download the PMA Future Leaders brochure and nomination form, please click here.
For all enquiries on the PMA Future Leaders Workshops, please call the PMA Office on
(02) 9454 2444 or email kwarlum@pmai.org
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