A critical meeting of industry representatives has set the scene for PrintNZ's training initiatives through to 2010.
Last November, PrintNZ Training gathered representatives from different sectors of the industry to discuss training issues and the future skill needs of the print industry. These meetings take place every two years and play a crucial role as PrintNZ Training prepares its business and strategic plans for 2008-2009.PrintNZ Training General Manager, Ashley Chisholm, was very pleased with the forthright comments and feedback from the meeting participants. “The group of industry representatives were positive in their opinion of PrintNZ Training and the direction we are heading in, both with the type of training we provide and how it is delivered.
“We received some useful ideas about promoting the industry and offers of help from attendees who work in the magazine and newspaper areas. Overall it was a very positive day with comments from attendees saying they were glad they had taken the time to attend.”
PrintNZ Training Chief Executive, Joan Grace, opened the meeting and gave an overview of PrintNZ Training's work with the industry and the Government. Joan then spoke about widening the scope of the ITO. The Government is keen to reduce the number of smaller ITOs and to see broader collaboration in the wider tertiary sector. In this environment, PrintNZ Training is exploring a range of options for industry training arrangements in a challenging and changing industry.
As a first step, PrintNZ Training and the NZ Journalists ITO have agreed in principle to a formal amalgamation subject to signing a Memorandum of Understanding in early 2008. Initial feedback from attendees suggested they see the benefits of this project if it goes ahead, while at the same time, adding a note of caution to PrintNZ Training to ensure its core printing apprenticeships remain at the same high quality.
The amalgamation will build on existing relationships within print media and extend these relationships with businesses in broadcasting.
During the meeting a range of questions were put to attendees, to brainstorm and provide feedback.
A range of issues were covered, such as:
• What are the major industry trends?
• How can we increase industry training?
• How is PrintNZ Training doing?
Major industry trends identified include industry consolidation, strong pricing competition and high customer expectations for top quality and faster turn-arounds. The growth of digital within the print industry was also high on the list, with comments reiterating that this is where future growth is likely to be.
Digital is an area that PrintNZ Training has been focussing on for the past 18 months. The previous pre-press and graphic communication apprenticeships are a core part of the digital developments. Following a review of training available in this area, a flexible up-dated range of training modules are now available. These cover areas including Digital Imaging, Large Format Printing, Preparing Files for Print and Design and Layout. Further modules will be available this year, including Colour Management, Variable Data and Archiving.
The issue of extending training within the industry beyond qualifications that cover production roles is one that PrintNZ Training takes very seriously. Feedback was sought from attendees on the barriers to this. A range of issues were identified, including a lack of suitable people to employ and train, a loss of productivity for staff who supervise the trainees and the small size of many print businesses. Suggestions on overcoming these barriers included having more individual training modules like the new digital structure, the importance of maintaining the relevance of training programmes, promoting the benefits of training programmes to the industry and celebrating the success of apprentices.
Attendees also provided feedback on PrintNZ Training's performance. Overall, the attendees think the ITO is doing its job well. Positive comments were made on PrintNZ Training's consultation with industry about training, frequent apprentice visits, effective communication from PrintNZ Training staff and the relevance of training programmes.
Some suggestions were put forward for improvements in the operation of the ITO. These include increasing the promotion of industry success stories, providing a greater number of short courses on specific topics and sending apprentice progress reports to senior management as well as the training contacts within companies.
on feedback, some of the outcomes from the meeting include:
• PrintNZ Training will discuss what apprentice feedback businesses need and provide these progress reports to a broader group with each company
• Ensure efforts to raise the profile of the industry continue - more Careers Breakfasts for careers teachers, interaction with schools and promotional material.
• Continue to look beyond the core industry skills to more generic skill areas such as sales.
• Ensure that PrintNZ Training retains a strong focus on core areas, while at the same time successfully integrating journalism training into the broader ITO
At the meeting's conclusion, PrintNZ Training Chairman, Graham Fear, thanked the attendees for their participation and commented on this being the best industry review meeting he has attended.
“It is very important that PrintNZ Training consults with industry in order to provide relevant training - this is an important part of that process. This is another example of key industry leaders working together to benefit the industry.”
Thanks to meeting participants:
Graham Fear, Chaucer Press
Dan Blackbourn, APN Print Centre
Paul Tolich, EPMU
Jack Hayward, PJ Papers
Mike Lugg, Leading Labels
Dennis Burbery, Sealed Air (NZ)
Neville Smith, GEON Brebner
Glen Climo, Nicholson Print Solutions
Tony Michl, Lithoprint
Nigel Solomon, Fuji Xerox
Chris Woodhead, Fintech / PFA
Ruth Cobb, PrintNZ
