Education Task Force History

Over the past few years the printing industry has been finding it difficult to hire well-trained employees. These problems are likely to escalate as the bulk of our workforce ages and moves towards retirement.

The British Columbia Printing & Imaging Association initiated its Education Task Force in April 2003 after the Vancouver Community College announced it would suspend its program in August 2003. The Task Force sent out a pamphlet to 100 printers to survey their needs, and ask for input and support for a new program. The feedback was encouraging.

In both 2003 and 2004 a contingent from the Education Task Force (Jeff Taylor, Chair, Jack Hazeldine and Marilynn Knoch) met with representatives of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education. In 2004, they had a very positive meeting with the Minister at that time, the Honorable Shirley Bond, who asked her staff to work with the Task Force in its efforts to develop a new printing and graphics communication program.

Early in 2004 Laura Davie, Associate Dean, School of Business also began to explore the possibility of developing a new printing program to be offered at BCIT. The Task Force decided to pursue a relationship with BCIT to build a new program. Subsequently, Jeff Taylor and Marilynn Knoch met with Dick Dolan, Dean of the School of Business. He provided agreement in principle for BCIT to move forward, and Laura Davie and her associate, Paul Sawyer became part of the Task Force.

Over the following months Jeff Taylor, Task Force Chair, provided strong leadership in the development of a proposed curriculum focused towards a program to meet our local industry needs.

Another exciting facet of this endeavor is that Associate Dean Laura Davie from BCIT met with Mary Black from Ryerson’s steering committee in May this year. All indications are leading to accreditation by Ryerson for students who complete their two-year diploma program at BCIT. This would give them the opportunity to continue at the third year level in Ryerson’s degree program.

It is the goal of BCIT and the Education Task Force to make this the most highly recognized and complete program west of Ontario. This would help to provide a well-trained workforce in British Columbia and the prairie provinces. In the long term, this will assist in developing business strategies to compete for more export work and to continue efforts to build strength in the industry.

In BC, we can no longer expect fully government-funded programs. BCIT has managed to develop a number of excellent programs working with various business sectors when the industry itself is willing to demonstrate strong support for a program through the donations of equipment and cash. Programs have proven to be stronger and more effective when there is continuing industry involvement.

BCIT wants to bring the cost of this proposed program in line with similar programs at BCIT and Ryerson, ranging between $4,000 and $4,500. In addition, BCIT is hoping to offer Entrance Awards the full complement of students taking the program during the first few years. This would mean awards for 24 students the first year and 48 (24 first and 24 second year) in year two. Presently we are on track to start this program September 2006  The Task Force asks for your support! Please make your pledge.

The Task Force asks for your support!  Please make your pledge.