Students get a work-out with Billy Blue prepress course

New prepress course at Billy Blue College of Design draws in students from around the world.

Since offering Certificate III in Printing and Graphic Arts (Graphic Prepress) and the Diploma of Printing and Graphic Arts (Digital Production) last year, 90 students have currently enrolled at the North Sydney-based college.

According to Debra Hunter, program director (Vocational Courses), the decision to offer prepress in conjunction with Billy Blue’s other design courses came after realising there was a skills shortage in the area.

“The timing was right for us to develop a prepress course,” she said. “Prepress is a vital job.”

The two-year course is complemented through practical work placement consisting of 250 hours in first year and 450 hours in second year.

Pictured: Debra Hunter (left) and Nigel Williams (right) at Billy Blue College of Design.

Teacher and work placement coordinator, Nigel Williams believes that its practical nature makes the course a more compelling option for students, who need as much experience as possible. “In this economic climate, students are a long-term asset to the workplace,” he said. “Part of the attraction to the course is its work placements.”

Williams, who has spent much of his working life in prepress, joined the college as a teacher this year after being impressed by Billy Blue’s commitment to the trade. “This is the first time there has been a real recognition of the need for prepress,” he said.

Hunter believes that one of the reasons why the course is so popular is that it helps those seeking permanent residency gain 60 points for their application. She admits that the majority of the students enrolled are from overseas, ranging as far as Korea, India, Brazil, and France.

One student, 30-year-old Stuart O’Callaghan, (pictured) who comes from England, was keen to return to Australia. After hearing about the course through a friend, he decided to give it a go and has been impressed.

“I’m very interested in computers and design,” he said. “Since starting the course I have enjoyed the atmosphere and support from teachers.”

Williams is currently in the process of arranging work placements for the students. There has already been interest from major franchises around Sydney. He encourages any organisations looking for students to work in their prepress house to contact him on 0410 871 290.

Billy Blue’s Queensland campus will start running the course in July this year, with plans for Melbourne to follow soon after.