The very first First Drill bootcamp has officially wrapped up… and what a day it was.

Hosted at PrintNZ, the inaugural First Drill brought together nine delegates from across the print trade for a full-day introduction to the world of signage. Designed specifically for those new to signage, the bootcamp focused on building understanding, confidence, and practical knowledge that attendees could take straight back to their businesses.

An Introduction to All Things Signage

First Drill was created to demystify signage, from terminology and materials to processes and practical decision-making. Throughout the day, delegates were guided through how signage actually works in the real world, helping to bridge the gap between print and sign production.

What made the day particularly valuable was the ability to apply learning to real-life scenarios. Delegates brought genuine challenges from their own businesses to the table, and together we worked through solutions. In several cases, those conversations alone helped companies avoid costly mistakes – saving thousands of dollars by doing things right the first time.

Learning from Industry Experts

A key part of the day was hearing directly from industry specialists.

An expert from Total Supply took delegates through the wide range of self-adhesive vinyls, explaining where each product performs best and answering some of the tougher, often-asked questions around selection, application, and durability. For many in the room, it was the first time these products had been clearly broken down in a way that made sense.

The hands-on component of the bootcamp was delivered by PSP, who introduced delegates to architectural films. Attendees had the opportunity to get practical, wrapping foam PVC panels with film, gaining firsthand experience and a better appreciation of the skill, technique, and potential of these materials.

A Day of Learning, Lingo and Laughter

First Drill isn’t about theory alone. It’s about understanding the language of signage, knowing what questions to ask, and feeling confident when signage conversations come up – whether that’s in sales, design, project management, or production.

The day was filled with plenty of laughs, open discussion, and shared learning, creating an environment where no question was too basic and every conversation added value.

A Strong Start for First Drill

The success of this first First Drill bootcamp at PrintNZ has set a strong foundation for what’s to come. It highlighted just how much value there is in giving people the tools, language, and understanding they need to engage with signage properly and early feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive.

With more Bootcamps at PrintNZ planned, this first session has proven that there’s a real appetite for practical, accessible signage education within the print industry.