Practical training of contracted apprentices
- Assessment and evaluation of new applicants
- Training based on a four phase modular system
- Company induction, safety and first aid
- Ergonomics, computer terminology, software, hardware, computer literacy, operating systems,
filing hierarchies, data storage, communication fundamentals (networks) - Typing and font usage
- Page layout: InDesign - image placement, typography, style sheets
- Drawing: Illustrator, composite paths, masks, blends, tracing
- Scanning - reflection/transmission
- Bureau Operations - health checking, pre-flighting, reading and understanding job tickets
- Colour separation - modes, trapping and output applications
- Colour retouching: Photoshop - cloning, local/general colour correction, layers, layer masks,
deep-etching, transparency blending, resolutions, cropping, output formats - Page Make-up: InDesign - element placing/positioning, trapping, colour usage (spot colours), text, rules, marks, output formats
- Phase 2 Test (external examination)
- Sample Documents: brochures, leaflets, business forms, stationary, financial tables, book-work, magazine layout, labels, posters, signage
- Colour managed proofs: calibration and spectrometer reading certification
- Platesetting: imposition, image area positioning, file formats, final output separation checks, screen ruling,
screen angles, exposure, development check (calibration plate output) - Phase 4 Final Trade Test (external examination)
- Three theory blocks over 2.5 to 3 years running concurrently
- Final assessment report for candidate certification
15 apprentices successfully trained from 1998 up until 2019 in blocks of 2-3 candidates per intake; three of whom are now in mid to senior level management at various printing companies nationally.