Holmesglen TAFE's new digital training centre at Chadstone campus, sponsored by Konica Minolta, is almost ready to go and will be open to students early next year.
The new facility includes the Accurio Label C71cf digital label press - the fifth to be installed in Australia, and the first in Victoria - as well as the latest bizhub in-line booklet maker and two Accurio digital presses, plus wide-format colour inkjet printers. Robert Black, program manager for printing at Holmesglen, said this new arrangement brings leading-edge technology to on- and off-the-job training. "We’re very excited to be working with Konica Minolta on this initiative. To have a digital solutions provider like KM on board is a major asset, and the Holmesglen Institute is very thankful to have their support.
"We’ll be exploring further options as the centre progresses, but this is an innovative approach to training, including apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, demonstrating KM's commitment to supporting a public TAFE and industry initiative that brings the industry to the schools," Black said.
There are only a few minor items left to be delivered, and the large-format equipment needs to be installed; however, Black is confident everything will be up and running for a January commencement. "We have scheduled our schools programs in February. We have our apprenticeship program already started, both on and off the job and a 12-week pre-apprenticeship program also scheduled to commence February," he said.
Anthony Lewis, general manager for specialised print at Konica Minolta, said KM was excited to partner with and support the work Holmesglen is doing for the printing industry. "It’s part of our overall strategy to make sure we’re supporting the industry as best we can. It’s a way for us to give back – we provided this technology at our own expense, and we’re supporting our best-of-breed gear," Lewis said.