Information For:
Graphic Arts/Printing Program
There is a growing need for highly skilled employees in Wisconsin's printing
industry. Job growth in this industry is expected to be about 5.7
percent by 2014.
Printers throughout Wisconsin helped develop this Youth Apprenticeship program to meet the need for skilled entry level employees. The Printing Industries of Wisconsin (PIW) has endorsed this nationally-recognized program that is aligned with the Printing Industry of America's skill standards.
Work-Based Requirements
Industry mentors are trained to teach youth apprentices the skills and knowledge needed to find entry level employment in the graphic arts/printing industry.
Youth apprentices rotate through up to four major areas at the worksite (see Skills Standards Checklist) and take related classroom instruction at the local high school, technical college or at the worksite.
The Graphic Arts Printing program has two options available. The one-year option includes two semesters of classroom instruction which support a minimum of 450 work hours. The two-year option includes four semesters of classroom instruction, which support 900 work hours.
Related Instruction Requirements
Graphic arts/printing instruction focuses on:
- Introduction to the
Printing Industry
The entire process of producing printed materials, from concept and design through finishing and distribution. All facets of printing and allied industries are introduced. - Electronic
Imaging/Publishing
An introduction to basic color theory and the use of computers to create page layout, text and graphic files. The use of electronic imaging equipment, including scanners, computers and output devices used to merge files with high resolution images to produce final films is included. - Image Assembly
Conventional methods of image assembly used to impose films to various types of press layouts. Shooting, stripping and proofing is included. Work experience ranges from single-color letterheads and envelopes to complex multi-color catalogs and brochures.
In addition to the three units listed above, the program can offer one of the following:
- Image Transfer - Offset
- Image Transfer - Screen
- Image Transfer - Flexography
- Image Transfer - Roto Gravure
Skill Certificate and Advanced Standing
After successful completion of the requirements for a high school diploma and the school-based and work-based requirements for Youth Apprenticeship, the students receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Department of Workforce Development. Students who complete the two-year Graphic Arts/Printing Program are eligible to receive six or more advanced standing credits from a Wisconsin Technical College offering a Printing and Publishing associate degree program.