Dawson
Print Entry Level Training Program
Cohort: Winter 2024
Student: Dawson
Early Finding
Through the Print Entry Level Training (PELT) program, Dawson discovered the intricate and fascinating world of print production. Each step of the process, from design to the final product, captivated him as he envisioned a future career in print.
Dawson found learning through touring various print companies incredibly educational and fun. The tour provided him with a firsthand understanding of working in the industry, reassuring him that it is indeed the industry he would enjoy. He could picture himself thriving in such environments, filled with creativity and precision.
The true highlight of the PELT program for Dawson was the ability to connect with peers and professionals in the industry. Collaborating with passionate, like-minded people fueled his enthusiasm. With the skills he honed and the knowledge he gained, Dawson is now ready to dive into the print industry. He is excited to see where this journey takes them next!
crucial; once these machines are in full swing, even the smallest mistakes can rapidly snowball, jeopardizing thousands of products in mere moments. My responsibilities vary from loading materials to packaging the final products. Both tasks require agility, accuracy, and endurance. And to think, someone once told me I was too old to be on my feet all day!
Pressing Needs: the industry needs more people
It’s become abundantly clear to me why the Next Generation Task Force and Jennifer McConnel’s role with Print Forward are so essential: they aim to welcome the next wave of talent before seasoned operators hang up their hats. One of the trainers I work with is an incredible 72 years old! I recall sharing with him how, in previous roles, seasoned employees were often reluctant to mentor newbies, wary of being replaced. Without missing a beat, he quipped, “Want my job? Take it!” His sense of humor never waned, just like when he feigned shock on my second day, jesting, “You came back?”
The Training
On June 5, 2023, I embarked on the eleven-week PELT course, which seamlessly intertwined well-structured lectures with hands-on assignments. Our skilled instructor ensured that every morning’s theoretical lecture was paired with tangible, practical tasks in the afternoon. While I gained insights from individual projects, it was during group tasks that I truly felt the course’s essence. Collaborating with classmates from different professions,
backgrounds, and walks of life was illuminating. This diversity spotlighted the invaluable power of team work, revealing that learning wasn’t just confined to textbooks. Our main resource, “A Guide to Graphic Print Production: Third Edition,” deepened my grasp of the printing process. Thankfully, for someone like me without personal equipment, the institute provided computers and essential software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Our assignments were diverse, from crafting business cards to co-creating “cookie boxes” alongside Food and Beverage Production Worker trainees. A highlight of the course was the series of field trips facilitated by NWSI. These weren’t just token excursions; they offered immersive insights into the varied roles available for PELT graduates in the industry. Engaging with enthusiastic professionals and exploring areas like foiling, folding, and lamination broadened my perspective beyond just presses. Their candid discussions about job responsibilities and remuneration aided in shaping my industry goals. By the end of the course, I was proud that our batch set a record for the number of field trips, equipping us with a wealth of knowledge as I transitioned into the printing sector post-graduation.
Landing the Job
After finishing at NWSI, they helped send my resume to multiple printing companies on my ‘Next Steps’ list. This led to various interviews and eventually, a position as a Production Worker at Hemlock Harling. From the get-go, my coworkers were incredibly welcoming, helping me with basics like computer-based job logging. Their teamwork, especially in tight spots, is truly inspiring. On a lighter note, I’ve signed up for the company’s Badminton Tournament this September. Even though I’m new to the sport and there’s a tempting BBQ at noon, I remembered Cormac’s advice to join in on company events to build relationships. Who knows where these new connections might lead?
I enjoyed learning about the print industry and how the process of print production worked as I started working towards a possible career in print while in the program.
Print Entry Level Training Program
Print is an essential service and a vital part of daily life. From packaging to marketing materials, print drives communication and supports the manufacturing economy in…
