Your Trainers at Sign Academy South Africa
At Sign Academy, our trainers embody a rich tapestry of expertise honed over decades, bridging the traditions of craftsmanship with the innovation demanded by the digital age. Each trainer is a seasoned veteran in their respective fields of Signage, Auto Styling, Retail, and Interior Decorating, offering unparalleled knowledge and skill.
In the Signage sector, our course trainers are not merely skilled artisans but pioneers who have witnessed and embraced the transformative shift from hand-painted signs to cutting-edge digital signage solutions. They bring forth a deep understanding of signage principles, store layouts, merchandising impact points, and the technical intricacies of modern sign-making technologies.
In Auto Styling, our course trainers are connoisseurs of automotive aesthetics, having transitioned from the meticulous artistry of custom car modifications to mastering computer-aided design and advanced digital imaging techniques. Their expertise spans from conceptualizing unique custom vehicle graphic designs to integrating state-of-the-art materials and finishes in vinyl vehicle wrapping, automotive paint protection film, vehicle window tinting, and an array of auto styling and vehicle enhancement services.
Within the domain of Interior Decorating, our trainers embody a rare blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge digital expertise. With decades of experience in visual merchandising, retail optimization, wallpaper hanging, decorative window films, and shop-in-shop concepts, they have seamlessly transitioned into architectural wrapping, furniture wrapping, and modern window tinting solutions.
Collectively, Sign Academy's trainers epitomize the evolution from artisans to digital trailblazers. They not only impart technical skills but also instill a deep appreciation for the heritage of their crafts, empowering students to navigate and excel in the dynamic landscapes of signage, auto styling, retail design, and interior decorating in the digital era.
Mitchell Voges
Owner / Principal Trainer
Mitchell Voges is a recognized authority in signage, auto styling, and interior decorating, with over 37 years of industry experience. Since starting his career in 1986, he has combined technical expertise with creative vision to establish himself as a pioneer in the field. Seventeen years ago, he founded Sign Academy South Africa (SASA), which has since become a leading platform for training and skills development.
Throughout his career, Mitchell has introduced innovative approaches that elevate both craftsmanship and business performance. He has designed and delivered training programs that not only teach technical skill but also foster leadership, creativity, and resilience among learners.
In addition, as a certified Executive and Business Coach and NLP Practitioner, he empowers entrepreneurs and individuals to unlock their full potential.
With his wealth of experience, Mitchell continues to shape the future of the industry, inspiring the next generation of professionals through his dedication to excellence, innovation, and personal growth.
Vernit Holder
Head of Sign Academy
Vernit is a highly respected professional in signage, lettering, and design, with a career spanning several decades. His journey began in the South African Navy’s Media Division, where he developed expertise in calligraphy, sign writing, technical drawing, murals, print layout, and media training. This strong foundation allowed him to build a reputation for creativity, precision, and craftsmanship in the industry.
As the industry transitioned into the digital era, Vernit successfully adapted, establishing and managing his own signage and print businesses.
He has trained and mentored newcomers in design, sign manufacture, vehicle branding and graphics, rigging, and printing, sharing both his technical skills and his practical business insight.
With his wealth of experience and deep passion for the signmaking craft, Vernit has become a respected industry veteran.
At Sign Academy, he continues to inspire and develop future professionals, combining traditional artistry with modern techniques to ensure the industry’s growth and evolution.
Bradley Martin
Head of Dekorex Academy
Brad Martin is a highly respected authority in retail operation, with relevant skills around basic merchandise presentation, visual merchandising, and interior decorating, with over 40 years of experience driving innovation and excellence across the retail industry.
Rising from branch management to operations executive, he has led large-scale operational teams to deliver on excellence , across South Africa and Namibia, specializing in store operations , store design and layouts, driving service delivery models , and strategic business optimization.
Beyond his leadership achievements, Brad has been instrumental in developing and delivering training of teams through shared knowledge and skills and programs that empower managers, staff, and future professionals to excel in retail operations involving merchandise principles, visual merchandising, and customer engagement and various methods to drive top line sales.
His expertise in transforming underperforming businesses into thriving enterprises reflects his rare ability to combine creative vision with commercial insight.
In his role as Head of Dekorex Academy, Brad continues to share his knowledge and passion, sharing Knowledge and experience, shaping the next generation of industry professionals while championing creativity, innovation, and practical excellence.
Werner Schmidt
Assistant Trainer - Automotive
Werner Schmidt is an Assistant Trainer specializing in automotive styling and window films, with extensive practical experience gained through ten years of collaboration with Mitchell across multiple business ventures.
Werner’s deep understanding of vehicle aesthetics, application techniques, and production processes equips learners with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills needed to excel in automotive styling and window film installations.
His approach emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world application.
Celine Schmidt
Assistant Trainer - Automotive / Signage
Celine Schmidt is an Assistant Trainer with expertise in signage, branding, window films, and automotive styling.
She has worked closely with Mitchell over the past ten years across multiple business ventures, gaining hands-on experience in design, installation, and client projects.
Celine brings practical knowledge and creative insight, helping learners develop technical skills and real-world understanding in signage, branding, automotive aesthetics, and window film applications.