3M raise the bar.

Several weeks ago, I wrote an article about poor standards and workmanship within our industry. I mused that perhaps some of the major brand manufacturers should have compulsory training and approved applicators to help raise the bar in the sign industry.

Ideally, I feel an organisation like the sign association should be leading the charge, but in their absence the manufacturers should at least demonstrate that they want professional fitters rather than the rabble that think that sign making is just a case of buying a cheap material, printing on it and sticking it to a surface.

It seems at the time I wrote that article, plans were well underway for something along those lines.

Shane Drew has been involved in the sign industry since 1992.  Before that he had a very successful career in sales, winning several Sales Awards before deciding on a career change in his early 30’s.  Shane has been writing freelance articles since 2002 and is a sign industry mentor for sign shops both in Australia and Europe, is a regular contributor to Europe’s biggest sign industry forum, and is well known in local circles for his passion about the Australian Sign Industry.  Shane is Managing Director of Drews Sign It Pty Ltd, a family business who are supporters of several major charities and not-for-profit organisations, donating over $30,000 in signage in 2008 alone.  A recent highlight is his appointment as a Green Guardian for his support of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, on Queensland’s Southern Gold Coast.  He is an avid photographer of animals and landscapes, and also loves a chat, so be warned!

It took 3M to step up to the plate.

Anyone that has read my articles over the years would know that I have been both a critic and supporter of 3M at various times.

3M have, in the past, shown themselves to be totally out of touch with the average sign shop and on more than one occasion I have  accused them of being arrogant, austere and overpriced.

To be fair, that was a few years ago now.

In more recent years, I’m not really sure when their attitude changed, they have been much more in tune with what the markets wants. It was no doubt motivated by the fact that other manufacturers started eating into their market share. But, the release of their conform technology moved the industry into a whole new market. The latest incarnations, CV2 & CV3 have made life even easier for the not-so-seasoned professional too. 3M have always been involved with leading edge technology, and you’d be hard pressed to argue otherwise.

A good few years ago now, 3M had an accreditation course that was, to put it mildly, an advertising and promotion session. At the time 3M 7725 was the flavour of the month, with its clear liner that was impervious to moisture and grip that was the best in the industry.

Back then I signed up, paid my $50 and I did the accreditation, got my magic number, and advertised it on all my quotes. In truth, it meant squat. 3M never referred to it in any correspondence, they never offered any ‘special’ concessions for shops that had gone to the trouble of doing the course, and a rumoured newsletter never eventuated. It was, at best, a gimmick and a total waste of time.

However, it seems that 3M have revisited the accreditation idea. This time it is more serious, and very well presented.

Chris Cook, the presenter and self confessed science nerd, has done an excellent job of developing the new 3M Silver Accreditation course. He does really know his stuff, and answered all questions with the confidence and humour of a man who is totally in control. Interestingly, being accredited at the end of the course is not automatic. I’m told they have a 50% failure rate to date.

Essentially, whilst the course is focused on vehicle wraps, it does assume you are at that level of experience. The assumption is that you have the ability to lay vinyl on unusual surfaces, and that you know your cast from your poly and monomerics.

They certainly cover that again, but if you struggle or are unfamiliar with the difference, perhaps this course may be a bit difficult to start with. The beginner class would be a better place to begin.

The full day course covers both theory and practical. I’ve been in the game for over 15 years, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I learned a few things on the day. The bulk of the course can be applied generically to fitting most vinyls and in that sense it is not a 3M promotional day. The end of the course does concentrate on 3M products though. So if you don’t use 3M, you will be able to compare their products to your own.

The very last thing on the day, you are handed your exam. You are given a list of assignments and questions that must be completed correctly, and your hands-on assignments must be sent to 3M for examination by Chris and his team. You have 4 weeks from the date of your accreditation day to have all the items completed correctly and returned to 3M.

If you pass you get your certificate. I’m yet to do my homework, but if you saw the faces of some of the guys on my course, I don’t think all were that comfortable with the idea. Time will tell I guess. I will not tell you what the assignments are, but if you think it is easy, its not.

3M make the whole process easier though by supplying everything for you to do the job right. Your $195 application fee is great value given that they supply goods in your kit well in excess of the entry cost. These items are yours to keep, as you will need them to do your homework.

Personally, I think it is a great idea. I think it may even be too cheap, and I can only hope that Silver accreditation and the future Gold accreditation will carry some weight when we tender for 3M specified corporate work.

I’d like to see accredited dealers have early access to new 3M products, promotions and services. Perhaps links on the 3M website for people looking for an accredited sign shop in their area, but I’m not sure if that is just wishful thinking.

If readers are interested, I’d urge them to consult with their 3M, HVG or AVS rep for a course near you.

Shane Drew
http://www.dsi.net.au/

(Disclaimer – Shane Drew received no special treatment at the course and paid his own way like everyone else. However $20.00 may well find its way into his homework results as an incentive for the 3M people to help him pass, however this is neither condoned or recommended by Wide Format Online Magazine)