Business News
LCC launches call for budding print professionals
Monday 20. July 2009 - The London College of Communications (LCC) is currently inviting applications for enrolment on its Foundation Degree in Print Media Management. Due to commence in late September, the course is designed to provide a comprehensive grounding in all aspects of the print industry, culminating in a world-renowned foundation degree.
The Foundation Degree in Print Media Management at the LCC (formerly the London College of Printing) has been continually modified and updated to reflect the cutting edge of print production technologies over the six years since its creation. The current syllabus has been devised to ensure a thorough understanding of the key print processes of offset lithography, screen printing, gravure, flexography and all forms of digital printing, while also covering in detail their supporting processes and technologies.
With research programmes and ongoing associations with many of the foremost suppliers to the industry, including Heidelberg, Xerox, , Hewlett Packard, Agfa and Duplo, the LCC pedigree recommends itself particularly to individuals seeking training in the most up-to-the-minute developments. Students receive practical instruction on state-of-the-art equipment.
According to Course Director, Alan Springett, the training on offer is arguably more crucial today than ever before its history: “Employing over 300,000 people, printing companies in the UK alone are reporting a 68 percent skill gap. This statistic is mirrored across Europe and beyond, as technologies evolve more rapidly than ever. It is quite evident that for professionals with the right skills through practical and academic training, the industry will be ripe with opportunity.”
One element of the practical training course sees undergraduates developing the capabilities to produce printed products from concept through design to the finished piece for all processes. At the same time, each student is trained in the supplemental skills forming the tools of the printing trade, such as management, business awareness and finance.
Richard Harnaz, a 2009 graduate of the course, confirms that the knowledge gained at the LCC has been both enjoyable and invaluable: “The mix of practical and theoretical was perfect for me as the hands-on experience helped me to fully understand the science behind each process and technology,” comments Richard “Before starting the course, it’s safe to say, the business and management modules were probably the least appealing aspects but I hadn’t fully realised their significance. In the end, I really enjoyed learning how to make my skills into a business proposition and it has proved to be crucial for my career development.”
The LCC will be holding an open day on 2nd September for those interested in the Foundation Degree in Print Media Management. Both tutors and graduates of the course will be available to provide more information, advice and first-hand experience of the course content and benefits.
“This is a fascinating and exhilarating time to be entering the printing industry,” concludes Alan Springett. “The influence of digital media and the speed of change in consumer habits is exerting a huge pressure on printed media to evolve and maintain relevance and appeal. This in turn is creating a melting pot of ideas and cross fertilisation of technologies. For those that understand all the technologies on offer, there is an industry waiting for their skills.”