RMIT gives students greater flexibility with new equipment

A new Mark Andy 2200 drew a crowd of 50 guests at RMIT University's recent Flexo Technology launch.

Expected to breathe new life into the flexography department of RMIT's Brunswick campus, the machinery will give greater flexographic training experience to apprentices and industry trainees who partake in the short course option.

"The flexibility of the Mark Andy 2200 will provide the students with up-to-date technology that is the envy of a lot of printers in the marketplace," said Robert Black, director of the International Centre of Graphic Technology (ICGT).

The evening also included a demonstration of the Synapse Training Simulation. This computer-based system allowed the development of operational, analytical and trouble shooting skills on flexible, carton and label machines in a simulated environment. Finishing off the night was a short tour of the centre's core areas of graphic prepress, digital printing and finishing.

In closing, Black stated that the strength of an industry is measured by its commitment to its people. "The programs are there, the government support through incentives is there and the government funding of the training is there," he said.

"What we need is a concentrated effort to make the industry attractive and a commitment to the best training in the world."

Pictured (L-R): Robert Black, director, International Centre of Graphic Technology; Ian Guanaria, general manager, Aldus Engineering Pty Ltd; Hendrikus Berkers, head of school, School of Design (TAFE) and Robert James, industry consultant.