Essentials for a Graphic Communications CTE Program

Facing a demand for skilled workers in the Graphic Communications Industry, schools are adding printing and graphic arts programs. The move to digital printing technology and platforms, new printing applications and the retirement of older workers have created an enormous need for skilled workers.

Based on our work with schools and vocational institutions around the country, we see six essential program elements when building a great CTE, vocational, or STEM printing and graphic arts program.

1.    Committed and Skilled Instructor

No program can be successful without a great instructor. Most have a graphic design or printing background.

We have seen some amazing teachers in many states that have created creative and exciting programs. LaVista High School’s highly successful program in Fullerton, CA led by instructor Henry Sandoval is not only motivating students with graphic art applications but is providing them valuable and transferable skills.

2.    Industry Linked Curriculum and Instructor Resources

Since the industry is growing and changing rapidly, institutions should make sure they are building programs aligned with current industry requirements.

Fortunately, there are resources available within the Graphic Communication’s community. Print Ed, a printing industry association, provides standards, accreditations and skill competencies for use in the classroom. Also, technical education leader, SkillsUSA provides assessment tests and competitions for High School students.

Xerox offers an industry-aligned curriculum through their Xerox® Digital Career Pathway Program for its customers. Our company, Intellective Solutions, provides a robust set of instructor resources and services to help schools launch their programs. Our resources and tools are used by vocational and CTE programs across the country.

3.    Consistent Reinforcement of Life Skills

Most successful CTE and Vocational programs ensure their students are ready for employment by adding or integrating life skills into their programs. At Hudson Community Enterprises in Jersey City, having strong Life Skill training and reinforcements in addition to a robust graphic communications curriculum has resulted in benchmark student employment results.

4.    Aggressive Business Development

We have seen schools connect with local commercial printing companies, in-plant printers, and marketing organizations. Students armed with certification and portfolio are in great demand.

For those students who want to continue their education in advanced graphic communication in College level courses, the industry provides scholarships to encourage continued education. The Industry needs design, database, engineering and supply chain workers and managers too. The Print and Graphic Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) provides approximately $500,000 in scholarships every year to high school students. PGSF also provides financial help to workers currently employed in the graphic communications industry that are attending classes part-time.

Local trade associations and PIA affiliates hoping to respond to their memberships are eager to help. For example, the Printing Industries of New England (PINE) supports the schools and institutions in their area at job fairs. Christine Hagopian, President of PINE, has made education and student skill development a priority for her organization.

5.    Program Accountability

Program accountability is the number of students who complete the program and are able to gain high wage employment or move on to higher-level graphic communications education. Great vocational programs and CTE institutions regularly report to their administrators and grantees their success rates.

There is an enormous need for skilled workers in this industry. Most schools that have implemented courses and programs will have little problem ensuring their graduates gain opportunities.  

6.    Relevant Technology

The best news is most institutions already have professional workstations, Adobe creative software programs, and high-speed digital production printers. By providing students access to current software and equipment, they become “job-ready” and potential employers find their skills very attractive.

Many institutions have implemented programs to use their current internal printing operations as classrooms, simulating real-life work environments for their students.

The Graphic Communications Industry is a huge opportunity for vocational, CTE and STEM schools to provide the foundation needed for students to obtain valuable life skills and training. The industry is a high tech and constantly changing world that provides plenty of opportunities for high pay and advancement.

If you have any questions or need information, contact me, Joe Rickard, at https://www.intellectives.com/contact

Print and Graphics Scholarship (PGSF) Recipients Selected

I recently had the honor of participating in the selection of the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) scholarship recipients. The PGSF distributes about $400,000 in scholarships to 200 students each year. The PGSF was formed over 60 years ago and since its inception, over 7,000 students have benefited from the financial help they have received from PGSF.

The PGSF awards scholarships to students pursuing a career in the graphic arts and is made possible by donations from individuals and companies. For me, it was great to see the names on the endowed scholarships. I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with many of these individuals who have built this industry through their innovations and determination.

The print industry would not be as formidable as it is today without people like Bert Bassett, Zeb Green, Fred Kagy and Naomi Berber. These fine folks (and many others) dedicated their lives to print and with the help of their scholarship support are passing the baton to a new generation of innovators.

It was stimulating to read some of the students’ comments on what they are hoping their career paths will be. Many were interested in the design aspect of our industry, some were interested in management, a good-sized number want to work in companies that blend print with new media, and there were even a few that had the desire to go into sales.

There was an awareness by the students of the power and value that print provides. Kudos to the teachers who are emphasizing this in their classrooms! As we all known and cringe about, there has been a fair amount of negative opinions about print tossed around in the media over the years.

Of note, this is what one of the students had to say about their career aspirations…

“I see myself striving to achieve my goal of owning my own printshop. Working in this industry is my passion and I want to have the opportunity to make my own mark, to grow this industry and keep it moving forward.”

With students like this, their passion and their love for the printed word, our industry will continue to lead, grow and prosper.

For more information about the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation and how to support it, contact John Berthelsen at 608-575-3904 or jberthelsen@printing.org.

For scholarship information, contact Bernie Eckert at 412-259-1740 or beckert@printing.org. The PGSF website has some great resources for students and parents investigating the graphic communications industry as a career. www.pgsf.org