Canon and TAFE team up to plug the skills gap

The facility contains one of Canon’s recently launched imagePRESS C1 machines, the first model in the technology giant’s long awaited new range of presses. The imagePRESS C1 is a 14 ppm engine for the proofing and production printing market and will run alongside a Canon imageRUNNER iR7105 at the Ultimo facility.

The opening of the facility represents the culmination of a major partnership between TAFE and Canon. Students studying graphic arts courses at TAFE will be given full access to the machines to learn the tricks of the trade, while from the beginning of next year Canon will also be using the centre to conduct face-to-face training with its customers. Carmel Tebbutt, NSW minister for education and training, has praised what she labels as an “innovative industry partnership” between the two organisations.

“Through partnerships with business, TAFE NSW continues to ensure that students are up to date with the latest developments in their field and that training meets the needs of industry,” said Tebbutt at the launch.

“The introduction of new commercial digital colour printing technology will see a huge increase in the use of digital printing due to the superior quality and the efficiencies achieved in production. This will lead to a demand for training on the new class of equipment,” she said.

The Canon Customer Training Centre at the TAFE Ultimo campus is billed as a step towards meeting the growing demand for training in the printing industry, and helping business to take advantage of new technology.

“This partnership is part of TAFE NSW’s commitment to being responsive to the needs of industry. Sydney Institute will be able to use the Canon printing equipment as a training resource for students, which will help ensure students gain skills that are current and relevant to industry.”