School's out for Queensland print students and staff

Reported changes at the Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts spurs support from teachers around the country.

Teacher, secretary and treasurer of the LIA, Ron Jackson, spoke out earlier this week over fears that the school's move to the new Southbank campus could result in the sale of equipment and a theory-only style of teaching that would see students trained at work rather than under the leadership of a teacher.

According to Jackson, six of the 12 print staff have lost their job (including Jackson himself) , while the other half will visit and assess students at their place of employment.

One senior member of the printing industry said that moving print training out of the classroom and into the workplace could see a "snowball effect" across the country.

"Training in the graphic arts industry has to be done on and off-the-job," the source said. "It's angering to see people making these type of decisions and I'm very nervous that it will set a precedent for other educational institutions."

These fears were confirmed by Allan Wetherell, program manager, printing and graphic arts at TAFE NSW. "If Brisbane can prove successful in their changed directions I'm certain their ideas will be eagerly sought-after," he said.

One exception is Central TAFE in Western Australia, which believes in a balance of theory and content delivered in conjunction with practice.

"Central TAFE is not intending to deliver a theory-only course for print students," said Digby de Bruin, portfolio manager, art.

Steve Kyd, senior head teacher of printing machining at TAFE NSW said that the success of a printer's education depends on a combination of theory and practical application. He rejected the idea of students only receiving practical education through on-the-job training.

"At present, on-the-job training leaves a lot to be desired and has no consistency," he said. "Some companies have excellent training while for others training is simply non-existent."

Removing a classroom environment in favour of learning online would likely spell a definite end to the college all together, Wetherell said. "If they close the doors ... you can guarantee they will never open again," he added.

Craig Sherrin, director of Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts, was not available to discuss Jackson's claims.