Derek Williamson, digital imaging manager, West Australian Newspapers is the recipient of this year’s GAMAA Industry Overseas Internship Grant. He intends to explore the uses of continuous feed digital printing, especially as it applies to newspapers.
"[It is] a new technology that plays a crucial role for long-term sustainability of print and one that has the potential for substantial growth over coming years,” he said. He will conduct research in the UK and Europe before returning and writing a report on his finding for GAMAA to share with the wider industry.
Adrian Fleming, President GAMAA congratulated Williamson on behalf of the members of the merchants association, saying, “Our industry needs to continue to look at print in new ways and to find sustainable solutions. Derek’s experience and passion for print, combined with his well thought-out, and outcomes-based proposal, resulted in a unanimous decision to award him the 2014 Grant”.
According to Williamson he relishes being selected and having the opportunity to analyse and identify new ideas and technologies for the web printing industry, to keep Australia consistent with current and emerging global industry trends. “The GAMAA Internship Grant will provide networks and direct contacts globally, to ensure Australia reaps the benefits currently enjoyed by technology specialists in overseas markets”.
In regards to his chosen topic of Continuous Feed Inkjet Printing he says, “This technology is relatively new and is only scratching the surface of work produced in traditional print companies. I intend on identifying companies that are utilising new innovative methods of reaching their target audience and discovering how they overcame any challenges.
“Learning from industry experts will strengthen my current abilities to identify the virtually limitless possibilities Continuous Feed presents for business and consumers alike”.
Opening Doors & Expanding Boundaries for industry professionals are is the motive behind the GAMAA Industry Overseas Internship Grant. This annual Grant allows the successful applicant to undertake an internship with companies of their choosing anywhere in the world.
Internships can be undertaken in marketing, new media, print, graphic design and other nominated disciplines related to the print media field.