The combined efforts of TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute and Clayton Utz Print Services Supervisor John Kirk have resulted in eight staff being awarded the Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Instant Print).
The qualification was devised in line with the Printing and Graphic Arts Training Package and recognises existing skills as well as new ones. All training and assessment was carried out in the workplace.
Mr Kirk has had 25 years experience in the print industry, and is passionate about providing training opportunities to people working within the industry. He said before the training, assessment of his staff's skills was based on his own personal opinion.
‘There was no objective criteria against which to assess them,’ Mr Kirk said. ‘These were skilled people whose skills could not be recognised via an independent accreditation and I felt there had to be a way to change this.
Q: |
Want your staff's existing skills recognised? |
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TAFE NSW provides on-site assessment and gap training if needed. |
‘Our employees, some of whom have been in the print industry for more than a decade, can finally get their skills recognised in a formal way,’ said Mr Kirk. ‘It's a great thing for our staff and for the print industry as a whole.’
The results of the new training program have been reflected in increased productivity and improved staff morale. It is also being used as a recruitment tool.
The Certificate III covers print-specific subjects such as how to run a digital copier and how to monitor, collate and bind documents, as well as other skills including teamwork, communication, maintaining the work area and customer service.
‘The rewarding aspect of this process is seeing a group of adult workers gaining a Certificate which recognises their efforts and skills,’ said Allan Wetherell, Printing and Graphic Arts Programs Manager, Sydney Institute. ‘For most, this will be the catalyst for further training.’
Mr Kirk also sees the training as a significant career pathway for his staff and others in the industry. Other companies such as KPMG and Deacons are now interested in offering similar training to their employees.
‘What we have accomplished opens up the future for all digital print operators,’ Mr Kirk said.
