Carlos Martinez met with Robert Black, director of the RMIT’s International Centre of Graphic Technology (ICGT) to find out the latest state of play
Printing has been taught at Melbourne’s RMIT University since the turn of the century and today holds a reputation as one of Australia’s most respected providers of graphic technology training.Covering every aspect of the graphic arts industry is critical for an educational institution in order to give students the best possible advantage in the industry. It is also important that young people do not underestimate the opportunities in the graphic arts industry, according to Black.
He says that a strong relationship with industry is important in order to keep abreast of the latest technologies and issues as well as accessing the newest hardware for the students. Black adds that RMIT has two groups to help steer the curriculum in the right direction and keep courses relevant to the changing industry.
The groups include the Industry Advisory Council, which is made up of senior members within the graphic arts and printing industry and provides overall strategic direction to the ICGT. Meanwhile at the practical level there is the Programme Advisory Committee, which is made up of industry representatives considered experts in their respective fields, who provide content direction and experience.
Black says that the ICGT has strong ties with major industry associations with board members drawn from:
• Printing Industries Association of Australia
• Graphic Arts Merchants Association of Australia
• Graphic Arts Services Australia
• Lithographic Institute of Australia
• Label and Tag Manufacturers Association
• Screen Printing and Graphic Imaging Association of Australia
Black says, “We have a great relationship with industry at both board and floor level, which enables us to tailor our courses to fit the ever changing graphic arts industry. Constant industry consultation and staying relevant to the industry is critical to a successful educational programme.”
He continues, “Our strong industry connections incorporate all the most influential industry representative bodies and the leading-edge suppliers and vendors. They are the kind of connections that make RMIT University a leader of training standards, in developing curriculum for national certificates to diploma levels.”
The ICGT offers four diploma programmes relevant to the graphic arts industry including digital production, printing, multimedia and management and sales. Six apprenticeship accompaniment certificate courses are also available, which include two printing certificates, print finishing, graphic prepress, desktop publishing and a general overview course.
RMIT also offers a bachelor of business, graphic technology degree, which is currently being restructured to increase its attractiveness to students, according to Black.
Black says student numbers at the centre, which trains around 500 apprentices each year as well as 60 to 80 full time certificate students including a number of international students, are stable, however he adds if numbers drop they will stay down for three years.
He says, “Apprenticeships and therefore the school operate on a three year cycle, at the moment numbers are level but anything could happen, the next six months will decide whether they stay like that for another three years.”
One of the biggest issues facing the ICGT is improving the public opinion of the graphic arts industry and taking action to increase the centre’s attractiveness, which is crucial for recruiting young people into the RMIT ranks, according to Black.
He outlines that today’s operator must possess a sound technical base that enables them to adapt to a diverse industry that demands a wide range of skills. The methods of reproduction are in a state of continuous flux due to unprecedented technological developments.
Black says, “In most instances the majority of people conjure up images of operators labouring over dirty, noisy printing machines. However, contemporary production systems utilise a plethora of methodologies that demand the operators to be highly skilled and knowledgeable.”
In order to raise public awareness of the opportunities available within the ICGT, RMIT undertakes a range of community consultations including school visits, participation in school and industry exhibitions, as well as conducting a number of teaser courses at the university to give school leavers a taste of courses and facilities available.
According to Black, the facilities throughout the ICGT features the full spectrum of equipment used in the graphic arts industry from design and colour management software, to digital and traditional printers along with CTP and bindery equipment.
The Melbourne-based centre operates a CTP, wide format and colour management centre, which includes two wide format printers and a range of CTP equipment. The centre also includes 13 computer labs, a digital print centre, which features six machines.
A lithography room houses a number of single and multi-colour presses as well as specialised CTP equipment. In addition, the facility features integrated and networked bindery equipment representing a closed loop process including guillotine, folder, collator, gatherer, stitcher and perfect binding equipment.
“The equipment we have here at the centre is more advanced than a lot of companies in the industry, Black says. “We still have some traditional pieces of equipment but we also use the latest technology across the board, having up to date technology is critical.”
Black also praised the Federal Government, which he says through an eligibility process is providing incentives such a financial aid to apprentices even without a current employer, as well funding training and up skilling of employees.
He says, “The government is providing a number of financial incentives, (training funding, direct employer support and wage help), to employers supporting their existing workers and apprentices for up-skilling and retraining.”
He continues, “Employers should contact their respective new apprenticeship centre or TAFE to discuss their options and eligibility. It’s critical that we all support the training effort in these difficult times to ensure we have the capacity and a labour market with the appropriate skills for the future.”
As the director of the ICGT Black has had over forty years experience in the printing and the education industry sectors. Appointed to the director’s position in 2006, Black has responsibility for the overall operations of the ICGT.
Black is a long-standing committee member of the Lithographic Institute of Australia (LIA), having been past-president of the LIA Victorian division, and is currently the Federal vice-president. Black also represents RMIT University and the ICGT on the EPIC Industry Training Board, the authority responsible for advising government on the training needs of industry.
He says amongst his most pleasant duties has been his role in chairing the annual industry training awards and in judging various national and regional print awards.
Black graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Education Degree. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Training Consultancy, a Diploma of Technical Teaching, and Certificate IV in Workplace Training, Certificate of Paper Technology and the Certificate III trade qualification in Printing Proficiency and is recognised as an enthusiastic motivator and mentor.
Since entering the industry as an apprentice and then entering teaching, Black has held numerous academic roles progressing into consultancy and then to management.
As a teacher and as a manager, Black has been responsible for a diversified project portfolio and the development of strategic partnerships with industry groups, which has ensured that the ICGT is at the leading technological edge in regards to equipment, facilities and programs.
Black says, “The ICGT is the primary provider of formal training in graphic technologies in Victoria and continues to be the benchmark nationally and regionally. We are committed to educate and train high quality practitioners in the latest technologies and methodologies for all sectors of the industry.”
Black concludes, “Printing was first offered at RMIT’s precursor, the Working Men’s College, in 1899. Through various name changes the thread has survived, along with the reputation as Australia’s most respected provider of structured graphic technology training.”
