RMIT scholars score major printing awards

Gloria Manno and Amanda Hay triumph at RMIT's Graduate of the Year – Printing and Graphic Arts Awards.

Manno, who took out Graduate of the Year, completed the Diploma of Printing and Grahoc Arts (management/sales) last year and currently works in administration sales support at Edwards Dunlop Paper, where she has worked for over two years.

"I am thrilled to have won the award as it presents many opportunities for me and I would love to travel to drupa in Germany," she said. "The award will allow me to advance within my current role and to learn more about the industry on a global scale."

Printing is a creative industry, according to Manno, who lists this as an inspiration for her decision to study the course. "There is an artistic element to the industry which interests me," Manno (right) said.

"The program provided great insights into printing applications and management strategies which I have successfully applied at work," she said.

The reality of winning Apprentice of the Year is still sinking in for Hay (below, left). "It is such an honour and achievement," she said. "I am looking forward to my future travels and overwhelmed with all the possibilities."

Currently working as a graphic prepress apprentice at Breen Printing, Hay's interest in creative arts has spanned since early childhood. "I enjoy every aspect of my job and feel that I am a valuable member of the team who is highly competent in all stages of prepress," she said.

The full list of winners includes:
The Collie Print Trust Apprentice of the Year Award
Winner:  Amanda Hay
Breen Printing Pty. Ltd., Graphic Pre-Press Apprentice, RMIT University
 
The Collie Print Trust Graduate of the Year Award
Winner:  Gloria Manno
Administration Sales Support, Edwards Dunlop Paper
Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts (Management/Sales), RMIT University
 
Other major award winners in 2007 include:
 
Heidelberg Australia Award
· Brent McGovan (Print Machining), Yarrawonga Chronicle Pty. Ltd
 
Fuji Xerox Pursuit of Excellence Awards
· Melissa Guiney (Graphic PrePress), TAP Printing
· Andrew Moon (Printing Machining), Graphic Impressions Pty. Ltd.
· James Richardson (Print Finishing), Adams Printing Pty. Ltd.
· Jason Brawn (Flexographic / Gravure Printing), Pack Creations
 
National Print Awards Grant
· Amanda Hay (Graphic Prepress), Breen Printing Pty. Ltd.
 
Printing Industries Association Study Grant
· Mathew Brookes (Printing Machining), Foot & Playsted
(Launceston, Tasmania)
 
George Kidman Memorial Award
· Melissa Guiney (Graphic PrePress), TAP Printing
 
Ralston Caspersz Memorial Award
· Richard Kuhl (Printing Machining), Seagull Press
 
Industry Training Awards
 
George Collie Memorial Award
· Fabrice Polydor (Lithographic Printing), Fineline Printing Australia Pty. Ltd.
 
Apprentice (Print Sector) Scholarships
· Jason Bowles (Flexographic / Gravure Printing), K & G Labels Pty. Ltd.
· Aaron Takanen (Screen Printing), Phoenix Screen Printing
· Karen Dovaston (Graphic PrePress), Kingston Digital Print
· Marc Marinelli (Print Finishing), Times Printers (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
· Danny Nguyen (Workplace Training), The Herald and Weekly Times Pty. Ltd.
· Fabrice Polydor (Lithographic Printing), Fineline Printing Australia Pty. Ltd.