International Sign Association launches enhanced Learning Hub with new Signs 201 course
The International Sign Association (ISA) has unveiled a significantly enhanced version of its ISA Learning Hub, designed to respond directly to the evolving educational needs within the signage industry. Central to this update is the introduction of Signs 201, a comprehensive six-module course that builds upon the foundational knowledge offered in the widely popular Signs 101 program. This new course explores a broad spectrum of topics, including various sign types, relevant regulations, design principles, material selection, and the critical stages involved in the lifecycle of sign fabrication and installation, aiming to equip learners with deeper skills to produce effective and visually compelling signage.
The revamped ISA Learning Hub now features over 80 industry-focused courses, incorporating new levels of interactivity and engagement such as knowledge quizzes to reinforce learning outcomes. For the first time, select courses are available in Spanish, facilitating greater accessibility for non-English speakers in the workforce. This inclusivity aligns with ISA’s commitment to fostering growth and skill development across diverse teams within the sign, graphics, and visual communications sectors. According to ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson, the platform redesign involved extensive consultation with thousands of stakeholders and experts in contemporary learning methodologies, ensuring that the content remains current and practically applicable.
From a management perspective, the Learning Hub offers sophisticated tools for leadership and HR teams to onboard new employees effectively, address knowledge gaps, and track progress through an integrated system that allows for team member management, course assignment, and benchmarking. These features aim to deliver tangible improvements in company productivity and operational outcomes. Additionally, the on-demand nature of the courses provides flexibility, enabling learners to engage at their own pace or companies to utilise downtime for employee development, an important consideration for maintaining continuous growth in fluctuating business cycles.
The ISA Learning Hub also offers an All-Access Pass option, making a broad range of courses more affordable and accessible, whether for individual learners or teams. This pass supports unlimited learning opportunities, which the organisation is committed to expanding with plans to add at least six further courses in 2025 and translate the most popular offerings into Spanish. Vice President of Education Sapna Budev emphasises that the recent launch represents just the beginning of ISA’s ambitious enhancements aimed at dramatically broadening educational access and improving skill sets across the signage industry.
Beyond Signs 201, which totals around three hours of instruction and covers essential topics such as electrical certifications and tools needed for sign manufacturing and installation, the Learning Hub also includes specialised courses in design, project management, and manufacturing. For instance, design-focused offerings teach principles like colour management and the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools to help professionals enhance print quality and environmental graphics projects. Each course culminates with a digital certificate, which learners can showcase on resumes and professional profiles, endorsing their improved capabilities.
Overall, ISA’s ongoing investment in its Learning Hub underlines its role as a pivotal resource for educational advancement in the sign, graphics, and visual communications industry. The platform not only addresses immediate skill gaps but also supports long-term career development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability within the sector.