Printmedia began in 1919 as the Printers Trade School, and now provides quality Printing and Graphic Arts training as part of TAFESA.
Printmedia has a proactive, flexible approach to training, offering nationally recognised Printing and Graphic Arts Qualifications for traineeships, apprenticeships and full-time courses.
Qualifications on offer range from Certificate II through to Diploma level. Flexible delivery is a key component of the teaching and learning culture, which incorporates off-the-job classroom, on-the-job workplace, distance self-paced, and interactive media options.
Facilities
For those undertaking off-the-job or full-time course training, the Printmedia faculty has a comprehensive simulated workplace environment, ensuring learners are trained on equipment and software that reflects the latest industry trends.
These facilities include:
- Two Apple Macintosh suites containing widescreen iMacs loaded with the latest industry software, including Adobe Creative Suite CS4 and XMPie personalised printing plugins
- One PC suite containing print machining simulators used to develop learners' problem-solving skills
- A fully functional digital printing area containing two digital presses running the latest industry RIPs, plotter cutter and various digital finishing equipment. This area simulates workplace conditions allowing full-time students to gain valuable industry experience
- A complete computer to plate (CTP) framework including an Agfa Apogee workflow, Acento platesetter, Sherpa and GMG proofing system
- Offset lithographic printing facilities, including single- and multi-coloured presses. Learners undertake various tasks including numbering and perforating, ink mixing and matching, and technical operations including press fingerprinting and optimisation
- A comprehensive binding and finishing area containing guillotining, folding, and adhesive binding equipment. All aspects of hand binding and finishing are also catered for.
Career Opportunities
The printing & graphic arts industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Australia, employing more than 115,000 people. Small to medium businesses dominate the industry with 85.3% of the estimated 5000 businesses employing fewer than 20 people and 97.5% employing fewer than 100*.
The Printmedia faculty provides training to those already employed in the industry however it also provides full-time course training for individuals wishing to enter the industry. Graduates of full-time courses may be employed as a Mac Operator and/or Digital Printer.
The faculty has a strong commitment to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in line with national principles and operational guidelines for this process. For example, some experienced individuals might be able to gain part or, in some cases, a complete qualification without completing a formal training program. This could include recognition for skills and knowledge in trade-related areas as well as generic frontline management competencies.
*Printing and Graphic Excellence 09 webpage:http://www.pageawards.com.au/about.html – accessed 17 January 2010.